Abused dogs arrive at Norfolk SPCA

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - An animal cruelty investigation has led to a federal investigation after Norfolk-based PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) revealed disturbing undercover video showing what appears to be extreme animal abuse.

Because of the allegations, more than a dozen of the abused animals arrived at the Norfolk SPCA Friday afternoon.

Around 1:30 p.m., 19 beagles arrived.  They were immediately given water, baths and a medical exam.

"There's some skin lesions that we're noticing, their coats are in poor shape, they're flat, they're really dried out," said Norfolk SPCA Medical Director, Dr. Carol Fellenstein.

"The physical wounds will heal a lot faster than the emotional wounds will," Fellenstein continued.

SPCA employees are cooperating with the lab, hoping to get more dogs.

"We did what they said, you know, we bit our tongues - we just wanted to cooperate and get as many animals out of there as we could," said Suzi Swims, Shelter Operations Manager.

The next phase will be socializing these animals and letting them know they are safe around humans.

"We have a wonderful team here at the SPCA and that's what we're going to work for," said Board of Directors Member Barbara Lester.

In addition to the Norfolk SPCA, about 30 out of more than 200 animals allegedly abused are expected to come to Hampton Roads in search of new homes, according to Laurel Uhlar, President of Beagles to the Rescue .

PETA spent nine months investigating Professional Laboratory and Research Services (PLRS).

After revealing their findings to the federal government, the facility in Corapeake, North Carolina, just over the Virginia line, shut its doors.

"Animals were killed simply because the company didn't want to pay for their food anymore, so the animals were killed to save costs," PETA spokesperson Dan Shannon said.

Some of the undercover video was shot while investigating the animal research facility, according to PETA.

"No one was aware of the taping, which is why you see the real stuff on the camera and a real behind the scenes peak into how many technicians treat the animals in their care," said Shannon.

The images are disturbing. In the video, you can see dogs being hosed down and cats' claws being ripped off.

"We see workers screaming at these animals using curse words, hateful language," Shannon said, "It really reflects poorly on the facility and the people running it that this was the culture they tolerated amongst their employees."

Shannon said the organization handed over its findings to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"As a result of that they launched an investigation into PLRS and several hours later PLRS announced they were closing their doors and surrendering custody of all the animals," Shannon said.

10 On Your Side tried contacting someone from the facility, but their phone was disconnected.

No word yet on when the animals will be ready for adoption.