Animal rights protesters disrupted a University of Massachusetts event on Monday.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) supporters interrupted the UMass Amherst's Accelerate event at the Cask Room at Domenico Winery on January 27.

Protesters are opposing controversial research conducted at UMass by Agnes Lacreuse, which allegedly involves cruel experiments on marmoset monkeys.

They called for the closure of Lacreuse's lab, accusing the researcher of wasting taxpayer money on what they deem unnecessary and harmful tests.

PETA Chief Scientist Dr Katherine Roe said: 'While UMass officials mingle at a winery, tiny marmosets back on campus are caged, cut open, and killed by ghoulish experimenters.'

The demonstration follows ongoing concerns over Lacreuse's experiments, which have cost taxpayers over $6 million, including a failed sleep deprivation study that cost $340,000 at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre.

Activists are urging federal officials to investigate the use of taxpayer funds in the lab.

PETA, known for its advocacy against animal cruelty, continues to push for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and the elimination of animal testing.