Feds: No Evidence of Monkey Business at South Carolina Breeder

YEMASSEE, S.C. – Federal agriculture officials said they found no evidence of problems at a South Carolina company that breeds monkeys for research.

U.S. Agriculture Department spokeswoman Jessica Milteer said Friday that the Alpha Genesis Incorporated facility in Yemassee was inspected April 29 in response to a complaint from animal rights group Stop Animal Exploitation Now.

The complaint alleged that a handful of animals were missing fingers and toes and had injuries that could have resulted from fights with other monkeys or mistreatment.

Alpha Genesis chief executive Greg Westergaard says he was not aware of any problems with the monkeys.