Delegate Kory Condemns Beagle Breeder Envigo for EPA Violations

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.  — In response to new reporting from WRIC, Delegate Kaye Kory today condemned the Cumberland-based beagle breeder Envigo for multiple violations of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“Conditions at Envigo’s Cumberland facility are inhumane and have resulted in the suffering and deaths of their dogs,” said Kory. “Furthermore, the company’s repeated violations of both the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act raise serious concerns about the damage they could be doing to Virginia’s most precious natural resource.

Addressing Envigo executives directly, Kory said, “We will not turn a blind eye to your abuse of these animals or your disregard for our water. I look forward to meeting with the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Quality so that we can continue to forge a path of accountability for this company moving forward.”

According to WRIC, the company’s wastewater repeatedly showed excessive levels of nitrogen, which could impact the surrounding watershed. WRIC noted that the company has a permit to discharge wastewater directly into Maxey Mill Creek, which flows into the Deep Creek, which joins the James River upstream of Richmond.

Kory introduced a bill in the 2022 legislative session to require more oversight of Envigo. She is a longtime animal advocate who made a pledge to her late rescue dog Ben to create a more humane Virginia for animals. She founded the Animal Welfare Caucus in 2018 and has been recognized by organizations like PETA and the Humane Society for her sustained efforts to end animal cruelty in the Commonwealth. Her bill to ban the animal testing of cosmetics in Virginia took effect January 1.

Background:

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Delegate Kaye Kory represents the 38th District in the House of Delegates. She is the Chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus and the Joint Women’s Health Care Caucus. Her legislative focus has largely centered on education, women’s issues, and animal rights. Prior to her election to the General Assembly, Delegate Kory served for a decade on the Fairfax County School Board. She and her husband Ross have three grown children and have lived in Fairfax County for 35 years.