At a facility in Cumberland, Virginia, Envigo bred and sold beagles intended for use in scientific research pursuant to a federal license required by the AWA, 7 U.S.C.A. § 2134.

Multiple inspections carried out in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service revealed that hundreds of puppies had died, dog food was contaminated with insects and mold, and dogs were fighting over scarce food and space, according to the government.

On May 19, the Justice Department sued Envigo for violating AWA standards for the humane treatment of animals, citing the company's failure to improve conditions at the facility after receiving more than 60 citations in less than a year.

During the execution of a federal search warrant the day before, law enforcement confiscated 145 dogs that were in life-threatening condition, the DOJ's complaint said.

On May 21, Judge Moon issued an ex parte temporary restraining order requiring Envigo to rectify the AWA violations. Roughly a month later, he entered a preliminary injunction against Envigo.

The parties submitted a joint plan to transfer 4,000 dogs to the Humane Society of the United States over the course of 60 days, which the judge approved July 5.

Envigo will contribute to the dogs' care by paying Humane Society $100 per beagle and $150 per litter and nursing mother under the plan, which is incorporated in the consent decree.

The settlement requires Envigo to comply with the preliminary injunction until all dogs have been transferred.

The District Court will retain jurisdiction to enforce compliance with the consent decree.

Anthony P. Giorno of the U.S Justice Department represented the government. Envigo's legal team included Benjamin J. Razi of Covington & Burling LLP.