4,000 Beagles Have Been Saved From A Breeding Facility
While it is upsetting to even think about, dogs are sometimes still research subjects. In fact, beagles are usually used in testing, heartbreakingly because of their small size and trusting demeanors per the American Anti-Vivisection Society.
Thankfully, 4,000 beagles who were bred to be test subjects for the contract research organization Envigo will soon be freed, as reported by CNN. After over 70 animal welfare violations were discovered at the Cumberland, Virginia breeding facility — which will soon close — the Humane Society of the United States was granted the ability to rescue the dogs. Within about two months, the pups will be taken to different rescues throughout the country. The dogs will be eligible to be adopted or fostered.
The founder of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Sue Bell, will help plan the beagles’ transfer. While speaking to CNN, she shared that expecting dogs, dogs with puppies, and younger dogs will be the first to be taken away from the Envigo facility.
"We prefer that the pregnant dogs do not give birth at that facility. We hope to get them home first," explained Envigo.
Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, who are Virginia senators, shared a celebratory message in response to the incredible rescue.
"After months of advocacy, we're heartened to know that nearly 4,000 Envigo dogs will be spared a lifetime of suffering and will instead head to loving homes. We're also pleased to know that Inotiv -- Envigo's parent company -- will shutter its Cumberland facility and that no more dogs will be subject to the appalling conditions and inexcusable distress endured by so many dogs and puppies at the facility. We will continue working in the Senate to prevent the mistreatment of innocent animals across Virginia and the nation,” read the statement.
On July 12, the Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, located in Platte County, Wyoming, released a statement regarding the rescued dogs on Instagram. According to the post’s caption, “Kindness Ranch, Homeward Trails and Priceless Pets have teamed up again, along with several other amazing organizations like HSUS who secured the release and PETA to take part in the rehoming of approximately 4,000 beagles.”
“Dogs will hopefully begin arriving at Kindness Ranch in the next couple of weeks. We will also post where you can adopt through other rescues near you! Please be patient with us in our communications as thousands of people are wanting to help, which is absolutely amazing,” read a portion of the caption.
The sanctuary also encouraged animal lovers to help their cause and become part of the Beagle Dream Team. Those interested can give a donation, volunteer to help transfer the dogs, or apply to adopt or foster a furry friend.