The notorious Green Hill beagle breeding farm in Montichiari Italy is closing down. The facility, owned by US company Marshall BioResources, says that Italian animal welfare laws are “too restrictive”.

Green Hill was previously shut down by Italian authorities in 2012 after Lega Anti Vivisezione, a partner organisation of Cruelty Free International, filed a complaint for animal cruelty. Three executives were convicted of animal abuse and over 3,000 dogs and puppies were released – to finally find their forever homes.

Marshall BioResources, which breeds animals to feed the cruel animal research industry around the world, says it will sell the Green Hill site because Italy’s animal protection laws are too strict.

The US company also owns B&K Universal whose beagle breeding facility in Grimston, East Yorkshire is the centre of our ongoing legal battle.  Together we’ve been campaigning against the Yorkshire Beagles breeding farm for five years, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters we were able to take our case all the way to the High Court.  We are currently waiting for permission from the Court of Appeal to challenge a ruling by the High Court letting B&K develop the farm.

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said, “We are delighted that beagles will no longer suffer and die at Green Hill thanks to Italy’s strong animal welfare laws, which prohibit the breeding of dogs, primates and cats for experiments.  Italy’s progressive stance sends a strong message to governments around the world that this cruel industry should finally be consigned to the history books.”

Find out why we are against animal testing.