During the summer of 2022, news broke about the rescue of nearly 4,000 Beagles from a breeding establishment in Cumberland, Virginia, which astonished the globe.
This establishment was producing dogs that would later be sold to research laboratories nationwide for experiments involving laundry detergents or medications.
This groundbreaking rescue operation has shed light on the matter of animal testing. Prior to this, only a handful of individuals were even aware that this type of testing was being conducted on Beagles.
However, the harsh reality is that over 60,000 dogs are subjected to these horrifying experiments each year in the USA, alongside tens of millions of other creatures.[1]
It is finally time for society to uncover the truth and provide these unfortunate animals the opportunity for a normal existence.
Why Beagles?
You might be questioning, “why are Beagles the preferred breed in the animal testing sector?”
This was precisely my inquiry, and the revelation shattered my heart.
Do you know the reason? Because they are among the most forgiving, gentle, and reliable canines that never retaliate regardless of the circumstances.
Their loving and tender nature often leads to their exploitation.
To those facilities and labs, these dogs are merely statistics. They possess no identity whatsoever… only an identification number tattooed on their ear reflecting their time spent inside.
The president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, Kitty Block, revealed disturbing violations of the Animal Welfare Act at the breeding establishment owned by Envigo [2]:
“Government inspectors discovered that Beagles were being euthanized rather than receiving necessary veterinary care for treatable ailments; nursing Beagle mothers were deprived of sustenance; the food they were given contained maggots, mold, and excrement; in an eight-week timeframe, 25 Beagle pups perished due to exposure to the cold.”
Some of these canines spend their entire lives merely producing offspring, while others frequently endure even harsher torment within numerous laboratories across the country.
Per the Humane Society, they experience a lifetime of agony and distress as subjects of experimentation, after which they are usually euthanized.
The director, Abby Avery, from Adams County SPCA, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which assisted in housing numerous rescued Beagles, remarked that she finally understood the reason behind testing on Beagles.
“They’re so forgiving and loyal to an extreme. Witnessing them evolve into proper dogs… it’s just astounding.”
Beagle Freedom Project
“Our goal is to assist animals enduring in captivity and grant them a chance at liberation.”
Beagle Freedom Project is an international entity with efforts worldwide for rescuing and rehoming animals utilized in experimental research. [3]
Since 2010, they have freed thousands of creatures from testing facilities that would have otherwise been euthanized, and they tirelessly strive to halt the mistreatment.
Through awareness, advocacy, and legislation, they are campaigning for a future without animal testing. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, many affectionate Beagles can finally enjoy a joyful life.
These creatures are familiar only with life in confinement, persistently testing products intended for human use.
Lab Breeding Dog Transforms into Lap Dog
Thanks to the relentless efforts of organizations like the Beagle Freedom Project and the Humane Society, which work tirelessly to dismantle these dreadful laboratories, such as Envigo, thousands of Beagles are now experiencing a renewed existence.
Franny was one of the Beagles from Envigo that was fortunately rescued after spending three years as a breeding dog within the facility. Her existence for over three years revolved around producing Beagles that would subsequently be subjected to tests.
“When Franny initially arrived, she was undoubtedly very frightened,” shares Kelly, Franny’s adoptive mother. “We aimed to provide her with a stable environment.”
“It’s truly heart-wrenching to observe that adorable creature and consider what her puppies’ destinies likely were… thus, if Franny can serve as an ambassador, just being her charming, sweet self, she is contributing to shifting hearts and perceptions!”
All of these extraordinary animals, similar to Franny and countless others, deserve to have beautiful homes and futures ahead of them, far removed from needles, gas masks, and the sounds of torture and demise.
References:
[1] Tepper, S. D. (2022), Going big for beagles, The Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://www.humanesociety.org/news/going-big-beagles
[2] Block K., Amundson S., (2022), Breaking: Historic transport of approximately 4,000 beagles spared from animal testing, The Humane Society of the United States, Retrieved April 18, 2023 from A Humane World.
[3] Bfp. (n.d.). Our Mission. Beagle Freedom Project, Retrieved April 18, 2023 from https://bfp.org/mission/