A controversial past involving animal testing has resurfaced for Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar, who recently launched impeachment efforts against President Trump.

According to Daily Mail, Thanedar owned a New Jersey testing facility where 118 beagles were allegedly abandoned and left to starve after his company Azopharma went bankrupt in 2010.

The testing facility, AniClin Preclinical Services, conducted pharmaceutical trials on the animals before its closure. Former employees reported having to jump fences to provide food and water to the abandoned dogs.

Animal welfare advocates who later investigated claimed the beagles had lived in deplorable conditions, subjected to toxicology tests, and never allowed outdoors during their captivity.

Rescue efforts save abandoned research animals

Two animal rescue organizations eventually stepped in to save the beagles, successfully finding adoptive homes for all 118 dogs. The intervention didn't stop there. A California-based group called Defense of Animals negotiated with liquidators to rescue 55 long-tailed macaque monkeys from the facility, preventing their sale to other testing laboratories.

Responding to the allegations, Thanedar maintains that no animals were harmed under his leadership. He claims Bank of America took control of the facility during bankruptcy proceedings and was responsible for the animals' care afterward. The congressman emphasized his current support for animal welfare, citing recognition from the Humane Society.

Bank records and employee accounts paint a different picture of the facility's final days. Workers described desperately trying to care for the abandoned animals, while insiders alleged the beagles endured cruel treatment even before the shutdown.

Thanedar leads new impeachment push against Trump

The animal testing controversy has emerged as Thanedar spearheads fresh impeachment efforts against President Trump. The Michigan representative recently introduced articles of impeachment citing obstruction of justice, bribery, corruption, and abuse of power.

Political analysts view the impeachment attempt as unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled Congress. Nevertheless, Thanedar has aggressively promoted his initiative, purchasing billboards to advertise his stance against Trump.

The timing of these revelations about his past business practices threatens to undermine Thanedar's current political messaging. Critics question his credibility on ethical issues, given the allegations about animal welfare under his company's management.

Latest developments in ongoing controversy

Rep. Thanedar claims he is the "most progressive" Democrat in Michigan politics and has positioned himself as a leading voice against Trump. He offered this statement about the animal testing allegations:

These attacks are completely false and have been repeatedly litigated. When the lab was closed all of the animals were given to happy homes. In my long business career, I am proud to report that no animal was hurt or died under my watch. In Congress, I have made animal rights a top priority. I have a 100% record in protecting animal rights as a lawmaker, and I was honored to be awarded the Humane Society's highest legislative award not just once, but two years in a row.

This explanation conflicts with accounts from former employees who witnessed the facility's conditions firsthand. One worker provided this assessment:

We believe that they have never been outside, ever. I don't think they've actually had their paws on the grass. When I walked in here it looked like they were walking on eggshells. They were kind of afraid to walk on the grass.

Aftermath of animal testing facility closure

The wealthy former state representative made his fortune through chemical testing businesses before entering politics. After immigrating from India, Thanedar built several successful pharmaceutical companies, including the now-defunct Azopharma.

Following the 2010 bankruptcy and facility closure, animal welfare organizations scrambled to rescue and rehome the abandoned research animals. Their efforts ultimately saved 118 beagles and 55 monkeys from potential euthanasia or sale to other testing facilities.

The incident raised broader questions about oversight of animal testing facilities and protections for research animals when companies face financial difficulties. While regulations exist governing animal welfare in active laboratories, gaps remain regarding responsibility for animals during bankruptcy proceedings.

Current implications of past controversy

Thanedar's dual role as an animal testing facility owner and self-proclaimed animal rights advocate continues to generate debate. His past involvement with pharmaceutical testing on animals stands in stark contrast to his current legislative record supporting animal welfare measures.

The congressman faces growing scrutiny over his explanations about the facility's closure and the fate of its research subjects. While he maintains no animals were harmed, documented accounts from employees and rescue organizations suggest concerning conditions both before and after the shutdown.

As Thanedar pursues high-profile initiatives like impeaching President Trump, questions about his business background and ethical track record persist. The unresolved controversy surrounding the testing facility threatens to complicate his political messaging and leadership on moral issues.