A Fort Collins research lab called Redbeast Enterprises has been cited again in a recently-released report for failing to adequately check on the health and safety of dogs used in animal testing. The routine inspection occurred on July 31, 2025, but the date of the report is December 4 because the lab reportedly appealed the citation. Redbeast Enterprises was cited with 11 animal welfare violations last February, including failure to document that dogs received anesthesia for debarking procedures that were conducted.
The most recent citation from a July USDA inspection states that there are no health check requests regarding the dog’s paw saliva staining and skin redness. The citation mentions two dogs that had redness between toes that was not documented, which could “indicate irritation, infection, trauma or other medical problems and could result in discomfort or pain to the animal.” The inspector report states that the facility must observe the animals daily and ensure that direct and frequent communication is in place regarding the health and safety of the dogs in the lab.
Redbeast Enterprises President Larry Travis issued a statement following the multiple citations from last February. “As a result of the February 2025 USDA inspection at Red Beast Enterprises Inc., we have revised several of our protocols,” Travis wrote. “We inspect the chain link gates in the dog enclosures several times a week to ensure the links aren’t out of place. We have swapped previous food bowls with elevated bowls to prevent wood shavings and other elements from fall in them. We also now remove and disinfect food bowls one hour after feeding. We have also implemented a heartworm prevention protocol. Our veterinarians continue to inspect the animals routinely for external parasites, and to address any health conditions.”…