PETA accuses Covidien of animal abuse

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights group, has accused Mansfield-based Covidien Ltd, which makes health products, of abusing dogs and pigs at its New Haven, Conn. facility.

In a complaint filed with the US Department of Agriculture, PETA said a former Covidien employee reported that dogs and pigs were accidentally killed by poorly trained workers. In another case, a respirator was allegedly forced down the throat of a dog without giving the animal anesthesia. PETA said the worker was fired after complaining about the abuse.

Covidien spokesman David Young said the company isn't aware of the allegations in the complaint, but uses laboratory animals only when necessary, treats them humanely and is in compliance with all regulations governing their use.
(By Todd Wallack, Globe staff)