Media Coverage About SAEN Stop Animal Exploitation Now

Feds punish Mystic Aquarium for abusing beluga whales

 

From Michael Budkie on Progressive Charlestown, September 19, 2024

The Mystic Aquarium (aka Sea Research Foundation) has been slapped with a $12,200 federal fine by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for animal abuse and breaking federal law, according to a national watchdog, which filed a federal complaint leading to the penalty.

SAEN, a non-profit Ohio-based non-governmental watchdog that monitors U.S. research facilities for illegal behavior and animal abuse, previously filed a federal complaint with the USDA regarding multiple federal Animal Welfare Act violations from the USDA.

The federal fine also addresses significant water quality issues that endangered the health of two other marine mammals, Jetta and Havana. Both of these whales were receiving veterinary care for multiple issues when the water quality issues were discovered.

The USDA fine penalized Mystic Aquarium for improper animal handling, inadequate veterinary care, and poor water quality in marine mammal enclosures, said SAEN.

See also: Return to Media Coverage