The beagles who were undergoing pesticide testing at a Michigan lab have been released to the care of the Michigan Humane Society, where they will be prepared for adoption. We are thrilled and excited to report this outcome that our staff and you, our supporters, worked hard for.
A Humane Society of the United States undercover investigation at the Charles River Laboratories in Michigan last month revealed that the beagles were undergoing testing for a Brazil-bound pesticide developed by Dow AgroSciences (now Corteva Agriscience). As soon as we learned of this, our Humane Society International team reached out to Brazil to get a waiver for the test. Once Dow had announced an end to the test, we tapped into our vast network of 350 animal shelter partners to find a suitable organization to take the beagles in and prepare them for loving homes.
The Michigan Humane Society stepped up to the plate and agreed to take the dogs under their wing. MHS has the expertise and a proven track record so we know the dogs are now in good hands as they begin this new, exciting journey in their lives.
Since the dogs have been raised for use in the laboratory and aren’t used to walking on leash or going outside, MHS’s expert behaviorists will carry out a full behavioral assessment of each dog, as well as an independent veterinary assessment. The shelter will then use these assessments to determine next steps for the dogs, including possible placement of the dogs in their foster network. The HSUS will provide a grant to help assist with the care of the dogs prior to adoption.
We are grateful to Corteva for its decision to end the test and to release the dogs to MHS. But none of this could have happened had you not signed our petition, made phone calls to Corteva, and spread the word about these beagles. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to fight for the tens of thousands of dogs who are still being held in labs, but today, please take a moment to celebrate. You helped make all the difference to these animals’ lives.
