Updated

A Brazilian lab that used dogs for drug tests says it's permanently shutting down three weeks after being targeted by protesters who freed nearly 180 beagles.

The Instituto Royal in Sao Paulo state says it was the only lab of its kind in Brazil. It carried out pre-clinical trials for drugs to fight cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and other diseases.

Now, Brazilian drug makers seeking approval for such medications must do testing outside of the country.

On Oct. 18, animal rights activists broke into the lab and freed the beagles. The next day, police and protesters seeking the permanent closure of the lab violently clashed outside its doors.

The lab's operating license was temporarily suspended by the city government, as police investigated allegations of animal abuse.