Huron, N.Y. — The March to Abolish Animal Testing, a 207-mile trek from Albany to Marshall BioResources in Wayne County, is set to conclude on Saturday. This facility breeds animals, such as beagles, ferrets, and cats, which are then utilized by third-party companies for scientific, medical, and veterinary research. Marshall BioResources is one of the largest animal breeders for testing in the U.S. and has been operational since 1939.
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Participants in the march argue that animal testing is an outdated practice that necessitates alternative methods. Ella Magers, cofounder and coleader of the march, stated, “We marched to raise awareness and to put pressure on the powers that be to change these horrific systems that cause cruelty to animals through experimentation that’s outdated.” Gretchen Primack, also a cofounder and coleader of the march, added that local residents do not want cruelty associated with their community, emphasizing their desire to be recognized for their high-quality apples instead.
Critics of Marshall BioResources, including animal rights attorney Wayne Hsuing, have accused the company of animal abuse and questionable euthanasia methods. In response, a spokesperson for Marshall BioResources dismissed these claims as manipulations from disgruntled former employees and highlighted the facility's commitment to humane care, citing clean regulatory inspections by the USDA in May, June, and September 2026.
Recent legislative measures are addressing animal testing. Congressman Nick Langworthy and Congressman Mark Pocan introduced the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act, aimed at modernizing federally funded biomedical research and stopping testing on dogs and cats. Additionally, Senator Rand Paul announced updates to his Modernization 2.0 Act to promote non-animal testing methods.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is also working to expedite the shift towards human-focused research, aiming to reduce reliance on animal testing. In response to these developments, Marshall BioResources stated they support initiatives to develop alternative methods but stress that animal testing is still necessary until those methods can completely replicate complex biological systems.
Organizers of the march plan to conduct a peaceful protest, culminating in a candlelight vigil on Saturday evening. The day's schedule includes marching from Rose Town Hall, guest speakers, and live music, leading up to a vigil titled "Free Them Now," to be led by Julie Wolfekuhle.