An animal rights group opposes plans to conduct testing on animals of chemicals that spilled into West Virginia’s largest water supply using animals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals voiced concerns in a letter Thursday to Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
Wednesday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials promised additional tests on rats, worms and zebra fish. They will cost up to $1.2 million and take up to a year.
Joseph Manuppello of PETA wrote animal tests are often inconclusive and irrelevant to humans.
He suggested more in-home water testing and non-animal studies.
Tomblin has called for additional toxicology studies tests before more in-home sampling.
Spokesman Chris Stadelman said the governor respects federal officials’ determination of studies.
The January spill caused a tap-water ban for 300,000 people for days.