GATES COUNTY—
The United States Humane Society is now working to get new homes for hundreds of cats and dogs living inside the Professional Laboratory and Research Services lab in Gates County.The rush to get the animals out comes after PETA released a video showing animals being violently handled by workers. The Tri-County Animal Shelter, which serves Gates County, Chowan County and Perquimans County says they are now working to help in this rescue effort.
Ginny White, supervisor of Tri-County Animal Shelter says, "They're going to be taking about 251 from the facility tomorrow and she's asked myself and Gates County Animal Control's Lacy Wilkins to go over there and to just supervise the different shelters that are coming in from North Carolina and Virginia."
While the animals are still living inside the lab, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has shut down research operations. A spokesman from the USDA tells NewsChannel 3, they've started a formal investigation into the treatment of the animals there.
NewsChannel 3 went to the Gates County research lab, which was blocked by a locked gate. There were no cars at the facility, but if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of dogs barking coming from inside.
Neither the USDA spokesperson or White could tell NewsChannel 3 about the current condition of the animals.
Both only knew what they saw on the PETA video that shows workers using a water hose to spray down the dogs in their cages. There's also video that shows several dogs with large cuts. White says her focus tomorrow will be getting the animals out, which may be difficult depending on how badly they've been abused.
"I'm hoping that a little calm voice, just talking to them and letting them know we are not there to hurt them. We are not the bad guys," White says.
The Norfolk and Virginia Beach SPCA have confirmed with NewsChannel 3 that they will be going to Gates County tomorrow to rescue some of the animals. Once the animals have been taken to the shelters, we will let you know how you can help.
