Beagle Laboratory Rescue Efforts Save Thousands from Lab Life

Beagles are one of the most popular breeds used in laboratory testing, with over 60,000 being used in research each year.

Many of these beagles are subjected to painful procedures and live in cramped, unsanitary conditions.

Rescue efforts have been underway for decades to save these dogs from lab life, with organizations like Beagle Freedom Project and Last Chance for Animals working tirelessly to bring attention to the issue.

These organizations have been instrumental in exposing the harsh realities of lab life and advocating for legislation to protect these animals.

Broaden your view: Beagles Animal Testing

Nearly 4,000 beagles are looking for forever homes after being rescued from a Virginia facility that bred them for drug experiments.

The rescue effort is one of the biggest in U.S. history, with animal rescue organization volunteers working tirelessly to move the dogs to shelters for medical exams, vaccinations, and other treatments.

It's going to take 60 days to get all of the animals out, and shelters from Illinois to Pennsylvania have already begun receiving the dogs.

The federal government filed a civil lawsuit in May against Envigo RMS, the company that owns and operates the facility, alleging Animal Welfare Act violations.

More than 300 puppy deaths were attributed to "unknown causes" between January and July of last year, with the facility not taking any additional steps to investigate the deaths or prevent similar losses.

The facility was found to have dogs receiving insufficient food, inadequate medical care, and housing in filthy conditions, with some being euthanized without anesthesia.

In June, the parent company Inotiv Inc. said it would close the facility, and in July, Envigo settled with the government without paying any fines.

The Humane Society of the United States is working with shelter and rescue partners across the country to get the dogs into ever-loving homes.

Nearly 4,000 beagles are looking for forever homes after being saved from a Virginia facility that bred them for drug experiments.

The first batch of dogs was moved out late last month, with just over half of them having been removed as of Tuesday.

More than 300 puppy deaths were attributed to "unknown causes" between January and July last year at the facility.

It's going to take 60 days to get all of these animals out, according to the Humane Society's president and chief executive, Kitty Block.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleged Animal Welfare Act violations at the facility, including dogs receiving insufficient food, inadequate medical care, and housing in filthy conditions.

An inspection report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the facility didn't take any additional steps to investigate the deaths or prevent similar losses in the future.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Beagle Laboratory Rescue is the incredible success stories of the dogs they've helped. Many of these dogs have been adopted into loving families and have gone on to live happy, healthy lives.

We've seen dogs like Max, who was adopted after being in the shelter for over a year, and is now a beloved member of his family. He's even learned to play fetch and go on long walks.

Dogs in the Beagle Laboratory Rescue program are typically between 2-7 years old and have been used in laboratory research. This means they may have had limited socialization and training.

Despite their rough start, many of these dogs have thrived in their new homes, thanks to the care and attention of their adopters. They've learned to trust and love again, and have even formed strong bonds with their new family members.

One notable success story is that of Luna, a dog who was adopted after being in the program for several months. She's now a confident and playful companion to her family.

Shelters from Illinois to Pennsylvania have begun receiving the dogs to give them medical exams, vaccinations, and other treatments before they're ready for adoption.

It's going to take 60 days to get all 4,000 dogs out, and working with shelter and rescue partners across the country, they'll eventually find them forever homes.

The Humane Society of the United States is leading the effort, working with shelter and rescue partners to get the dogs into foster and adoptive homes.

Over half of the dogs have already been removed from the facility, with the first batch being moved out late last month.

The dogs are receiving medical care, vaccinations, and other treatments before they're ready for adoption, which is a crucial step in their journey to finding a forever home.

The non-profit is urging people to rush donations to help transfer the remaining dogs and give more animals a better life.