Breaking: Historic transport of approximately 4,000 beagles spared from animal testing
By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson
More than 60,000 dogs are used in animal tests every year in the United States. Michael Svoboda/iStockphoto
You may have seen in the news that our Animal Rescue Team was approached by the U.S. Department of Justice to remove roughly 4,000 beagles from a breeding facility that supplied laboratories that test on animals. We are honored to have been chosen to lead this historic effort and to coordinate the placement of these dogs with our shelter partners to ultimately find them loving homes.
This removal of the beagles comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in May that described shocking violations of the Animal Welfare Act at the breeding facility, owned by a company called Envigo. Government inspectors found that beagles there were being killed instead of receiving veterinary treatment for easily treated conditions; nursing mother beagles were denied food; the food that they did receive contained maggots, mold and feces; and over an eight-week period, 25 beagle puppies died from cold exposure. Other dogs suffered from injuries when they were attacked by other dogs in overcrowded conditions.
Finding partners who can make space and find homes for around 4,000 dogs in the summer—a time of year when animal shelters already are over-capacity—will be a feat of epic proportions. We are ready to take on the challenge and are grateful to our rescue and shelter partners—a network of local rescue groups and shelters in communities throughout the country—whose dedicated efforts will make it possible for these dogs to find loving homes.
While our Animal Rescue Team works to provide immediate relief to these roughly 4,000 dogs, others in our organization are working to prevent suffering for animals through legislative, regulatory and corporate efforts, as well as public education. In that vein, our campaign to end the use of animals in laboratory testing is one of our top priorities. We work with policymakers and those within the biomedical industry to replace inhumane and unreliable animal tests with more innovative, advanced and reliable non-animal methods.
Our separate undercover investigation at an animal testing laboratory in Indiana owned by Inotiv showed the type of fate that dogs sold to laboratories experience. The results of that investigation, which we released earlier this year, documented animals being force-fed high doses of drugs via tubes or intravenously, sometimes several times a day. Some animals were unable to move because of the drugs’ toxic effects; others died during procedures. The studies conducted at Inotiv were intended to test drug toxicity and were funded by dozens of pharmaceutical companies.
Approximately 90% of drugs ultimately fail in human trials. An estimated half of this is due to unexpected toxicity in humans following animal tests, when no toxicity in other animals was observed. Continued reliance on animal testing discourages innovation, perpetuates animal suffering and can ultimately lead to human suffering due to high drug failure rates.
We will not stop fighting for better approaches in research and testing to address the suffering of hundreds of thousands of animals—including dogs, primates, pigs, mice and rats—who are in laboratories and the breeding facilities that supply them right now, and the millions who suffer every year.
State lawmakers are starting to take action. Thanks to Senators Jennifer Boysko (D), Bill Stanley (R), Delegate Rob Bell (R) and Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), Virginia this year passed sweeping reforms to address the use of dogs bred for and used in research, and legislation is pending in California, Michigan and Massachusetts. This is just the beginning of our state legislative work to ensure that animals in labs no longer suffer.
We are urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical industry to accelerate changes to ultimately replace outdated animal tests with superior modern technologies. You can add your voice to our calls for action.
Keep up with the latest news about the beagles here
Sara Amundson is president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.
I would like to adopt one of the beagles.
How do I sign up?
Elyse Belanger Bailey
elyse.belanger@gmail.com
I would like to adopt 2 males I live in arkansas
Thank you, Helen, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
I am interested in adopting a puppy also. I am unable to locate the list of Partners referred to…please help
Angels of Assisi (Virginia)
Dakin Humane Society (Massachusetts)
Helen Woodward Animal Center (California)
Homeward Trails (Virginia)
Humane Society of Tulsa (Oklahoma)
Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary (Wyoming)
Loudoun County Animal Services (Virginia)
Massachusetts SPCA (Massachusetts)
Northeast Animal Shelter (Massachusetts)
Priceless Pets (California)
Richmond Animal Care & Control (Virginia)
Southeast Kansas Humane Society (Kansas)
Tri County Animal Shelter (Maryland)
Triangle Beagle Rescue (North Carolina)
Wisconsin Humane Society (Wisconsin)
Hi Lisa, thanks you for helping a puppy find a home. You can find our list of partners here
Please let me know where we can adopt a Beagle. Williamsport Pennsylvania..
I would like to adopt a beagle. We are located in Sarasota Florida.
Hi Linda, interested in adopting or fostering one of the #4000Beagles? Check out our growing list of partners that are accepting the beagles into their adoption programs. We will continue to add groups to this list as it grows.
I Want to adopt a dog
Oops! This is Kimberly Stenek. I meant to ask if any of the 4000 rescued beagle pups in Virginia research center will be available for adoption in Washinton State. Thank you.
Hi Kimberly, reach out to the shelters and rescues directly to learn about their adoption procedures and how to get started. Check out our growing list of partners that are accepting the beagles into their adoption programs. We will continue to add groups to this list as it grows.
I would like to adopt one of the beagles.
I live in south Jersey near the shore I would like to know how I go about adopted male beagel
This needs end Experimentations on animals, God sees this they in for rude awaking. GOD HEARES. My Voice 🇺🇸🗽🙏😇🐈🐕🦺🐒
Two beagles
I want to adopt a beagle puppy
Hi, I am very interested in adopting a female Beagle.
We would like to adopt one of the beagles.
My husband and I are retired and can offer a loving family home which every animal deserves. We would like a male.
How do I sign up ? We live in Louisiana.
Thank you for the work you do.
Amgen from Thousands oaks TEST on Beagles. When I spoke about animal cruelty. I was fired/band from their property.
I grew up in Thousand Oaks. 😢 news.
I am interested in adopting a rescued beagle. Thank you, Tracy
What is the current status of this rescue operation? Postings on the News and Pressroom sections of the USHU website are days and weeks old.
Thank you for any updated information you can share.
I’m randy Burford I live in Clinton Missouri I would love to adopt a female beagle my email Burfordrandy1@gmail.com
Felicialefever116@yahoo.com
I would be interested in adopting one of the beagles puppies.. willing to drive to pick up
This organization is not on my good list. Money is the major cry! Dogs are going to shelters n fosters. Contact local shelters to see if they can get a dog for you.these dogs will not be socialized n take patience.
We are considering adopting a beagle
Kindness Animal Sanctuary is housing a great number of the beagles. Google them!
Esto no lo podemos permitir más tenemos que hacer algo para salvar a miles de Beagles y acabar con esta crueldad es muy importante terminar con esta inhumanidad y violencia
Hello,
I was wondering where we could fill out an application to adopt these precious Beagles?❤️
Hi, I’m interested in adopting a beagle , what I have to do?
Thank you for all you guys are doing
I am from Savannah, GA trying to find out how to adopt a puppy.
I have been trying to find out how to adopt a female beagle puppy and I have no luck. I did contact my local Humane Society but they are not taking in any beagles. We all are fond of beagles and this story has inspired all. We pray they have warm homes to go to. I haven’t gotten any answer as how to adopt one. Please help.
Thank you. 🙏🏽
Thank you, Maidhilee, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
We would like to adopt one of the beagles.
Maidhilee,
I live in Roswell, GA. The local Atlanta Humane Society took some of the Beagles. I was at one of the vets I use as a rescue the other day and they had some in the back doing dentals in the surgery area. You might try calling 404-875-5331.
I am interested in adopting. agalati1004@aol.com
Thank you, Andrea, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
We need to put these companies out of business. And the techs working there should go to jail for animal abuse. Start cleaning up our human gene pool by getting rid of the filthily human trash and save the dogs. No more breeding.
Totally agree. We must STOP THESE BREEDING FACILITIES and the torture of government and pharmaceutical TESTING LABS. I give as much as I can to the care of these deserving animals.
I would like to adopt a female 6-12 months old. I live in Michigan, have had bedagles befreo, have 1 now who is getting on in years. Her friend passed a couple of years ago. Will not be used for hunting and as a house pet only.
paulsb50@wowway.com
Thank you, Paul, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
Hello, I would love to adopt one of these sweet beagles.
how do I sign up?
Thank you, Kaitlyn, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
Gracias a Dios la gente trate y se logre salvar a miles de animalitos no podemos permitir más abusos y violencia ellos nos necesitan todos los animalitos nos necesitan
How does my family adopt a beagle?
Thank you, Amy, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
I would like to adopt a younger female.
Thank you, Roger, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
I’m looking to adopt a beagle and can’t find any list. Looking from Spokane Washington
Thank you, Elizabeth, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
I’ve donated a few hundred. I love beagles. I’d adopt or foster. It is odd though I didn’t see all this when it was found out that the department Fauci ran, using beagles for research, was found allowing mites attack beagles. The scientists doing the experiments removed their vocal cords since the noise bothered the researchers. I didn’t see any big info from you all or the Dept of Justice. Odd
But I’ll definitely adopt or foster a beagle
Kitty..
First ,Thank you to All of you for this Rescue.
I have a Senior lab Beagle now (Bentley)is his name.Unfortunately he was tested on but fortunately we have him and he’s living a wonderful life now.
I have three Beagles 8 , 7 , 1 . I would love to even foster. I have a large fenced in yard along with a doggie door to the yard. I will be praying these fur babies find forever homes where they deserve all the love and care! Until then i will make donations to help keep these guys feed . Beagles love their food lol
Location : PA
How can i apply to get one of these Beagle puppies?
I would very much like to adopt one.
My husband and I would like to adopt 2 young or puppies from the beagle rescue. Can someone let us know how to ho about it? Where and with whom do we need to contact?
These are rescue partners who will be getting Beagles, as listed with the HSUS. I live in Virginia and have already sent my application into Homeward Trails. I’m sure that before the dogs are up for adoption they will have to be examined and taken care of medically with shots, spay neuter, dental work if needed.
Homeward Trails (Virginia)
Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary (Wyoming)
Massachusetts SPCA (Massachusetts)
Northeast Animal Shelter (Massachusetts)
Priceless Pets (California)
Hello
My name is Mattox and I would like to adopt one of the beagles you are rescueing.. can you tell me how I can adopt one?
Lucian Kaminski
L-Junk@Juno.com
I would like to adapt a male and a female.
I’ve been trying my hardest to adopt a lab beagle ever since I found out they use them for experimental. As a kid growing up, I always saw on the news and thought they use mice for laboratory testing. Now finding out that the FDA and the USDA are heartless. I donate $200 a month to 2 different organizations (1 of them is help release beagles from the lab and now I added a third monthly donation (humane society). The problem I’m having trying to adopt those precious beagles is because I live on the east coast. Most of them either are on the west or mid coast. Please try to send some of them to the east coast shelters and email me if you can so I can give them a loving home and normal life they deserve.
I would like to adopt 2 please. Always have fostered and adopted from shelters
I would love one of these beagles. please contact me
Thank you, Janet, for wanting to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. You can find information about how to adopt one here
Does the Humane Society need any help with transport of these beagles to various facilities? I am located not far from VA and am willing to drive to most places across the country, if it will help.
My wife and I have a farm in central WI. and would love to adopt 2 of your beagles. We lost our beagle a few years ago to cancer, she was 13, and now ready to have another. We both have large loving hearts and could not be any more happy to help. Please consider us and over fill us beagle love.
I am interested in getting information regarding adopting one of the rescued beagles. Preferably a puppy. I live in Colorado Springs, Could someone please reach out to me by email and let me know what my options would be. Thank You. Sheri
My husband and I would love to adopt one of these beagles.
I commend those who.want to help by adopting a lab beagle. However, this type of dog is special needs. They are not properly socialized for family members. Most of them have never stepped on grass, climbed stairs, or experienced a normal family home. Taking this beagle in to your home requires a huge amount of patience. These dogs will not be housebroken, beagles are stubborn by nature and difficult to housebreak normally. If you work outside of the house, and the dog will be left alone. Please dont adopt a beagle. These dogs need a person home full time. Beagles are super social animals and stress out left alone. The howl, cry and get depressed. Also, the beagle has a lot of energy, this dog must have 2 walks a day, or a fenced in back yard. The beagle is prone to gain weight easily, they are super food beggers. You must be a firm dog owner and never give them human food. In closing Beagles are great dogs, for the right family. Do your research first. They.are loud, energetic and stubborn. They are also cute, soft, and the best cuddle buddies. Good luck
Thank you for stressing that Beagles are not couch potatoes. If they are allowed to run or play for a few hours, I’m sure they will succumb to the couch.
Being once a beagle owner living in the city, it was hard to stop him from howling if we went out for groceries. I was a stay at home writer so it was easier for me.
Please, they are loving creatures, understand they are stubborn but one of the most devoted breeds!
Thinking pretty seriously about a female, HOWEVER, finances extremely tight right now. She would be spoiled to a “t”. Her new, safe, secure, loving home could be in Wichita, KS.
I will like to adopt a beagle. Please send me the information. Thank you
Will you be sending any of these pups to kansas
I am a 100% disabled combat veteran with PTSD and would love to have one of your Beagles. Can you please tell me how I can get on the list.
I work with a rescue in Northern Virginia that would like to help some of these pups. Who do we get in contact with?
Thank you, HSUS, for leading this effort to rescue these 4000 beagles, the fortunate ones who made it out alive from Envigo’s egregious facility. Please also investigate Marshall BioResources, a heinous factory farm for beagles sold for experimentation located in upstate New York.
In addition to your efforts to shutdown the pipeline, HSUS is tackling the demand itself, by pushing statewide efforts as well as the FDA Modernization Act, which will once and for all put an end to animal testing done in vain, since it is a dirty secret among the biomedical research community that performance of drugs in animals is a poor predictor of how they will work in humans. Meanwhile, the animals are left to languish, suffer and die. The world is grateful for your rescue work and advocacy on behalf of the voiceless.
I can take one or two. (I was planning on getting rid of my boyfriend anyway.)
My dog needs a friend.
I would love to adopt but I live in Indiana. Can they be shipped?
I am very interested in a young male beagle. I have raised three and they are so smart and loveable. 260-744-2996. 20past4@frontier.com. Fort Wayne,Indiana. I will love to help the cause!
I would like to adopt one of the 4,000 rescued beagles. I live in Texas and I’m wondering if any of them are headed this way.
How do you get chance to adopt one of these dogs???
I would like to adopt one of these beagles. I am in WA state. Thus far the closest recue partner is in CA. Do you have any information about any organizations that will become a rescue partner in WA state? Thank you.
I would love to help and can take two Beagles. My wife and I had 2 beagles for 12-14 yrs until they passed on to heaven. We would love to adopt 2 more. I’m in California, great weather and room to run.
Please contact me to help adopt a couple of these dogs.
James –
I would like to adopt one of the beagles
Loving, active home for beagle. Would love to adopt one of the beagles you are saving. ❤️
We’re near Martinsburg, WV. We already have a 4 yr old small beagle, another 4 yr old beagle mix and another mix with hound in her, all females, we’re retired and have plenty of time and room and want another female, any age. Will any of the beagles be near us?
I’m interested in adopting one in AZ
I am interested in adopting a Beagle. I am here in New Mexico.
I would love to adopt a beautiful beagle puppy or more. I have been a constant concerned individual that had been trying to get these places closed down & hope that the people that worked & ran these disgusting places get prosecuted all the way. God Bless all of you for having love in your hearts 💕
I would love to adopt a female beagle. I had 2 and the last beagle pass a way 1½ go I’m ready for new beagle.
My husband and I would like to adopt a male and female beagle that has been rescued. We live in Daphne, Alabama.
We would like to adopt a male and female beagle. We live in Daphne, Alabama.
We would love to adopt a female. Our house has been without furry paws for too long.
Thank you so much.
Lorri and Roy
I do applaud the tremendous undertaking that the HSUS has taken on but, I am concerned about another issue. Are these beagles going to overloaded shelters and rescues? While I am sure this has been discussed within the HSUS administration, what are you doing to help smaller, no – kill shelters / rescues that could use help in getting their dogs adopted out in order to make room for these new arrivals?
Thank you.
I would love to adopt a beagle
. I would like to adopt a female beagle. I live in East Tennessee.
My wife and I would love adopting a younger female beagle, but we live in Phoenix, Az and it appears that the closest partner are in Chino Valley, California.
Our previous dog was a beagle that we had for 18 years it’s been over one year since we’ve had a dog and we really want another beagle.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I am hoping some will get sent to Oregon or Washington; I’m looking for two beagles. All the facilities on the list are far from here.
I would like to adopt two beagle puppies. will any be sent to Houston Texas?
Hi Glo, you can find the list of shelters and rescues caring for the 4,000 beagles here
My daughter just adopted one here in Michigan yesterday. It breaks my heart that this little girl was 6 years old and never out of a cage. I understand they were force fed, maybe the reason she won’t eat anything yet. She drinks but refuses food.
She doesn’t understand going outside to potty either. Just a precious soul.
Is there anywhere we can find out info on teaching these animals a safe world?
Also. do you know if the ones that are used for breeding get testings done on them as well?
Thanks much to anyone for your help.
Hi Deb, thank you and your daughter for offering a loving home to one of the #4000Beagles! The inspections records do not establish force feeding but nursing mother beagles were denied food; and the food that they did receive contained maggots, mold and feces. Many of these dogs were bound for animal testing laboratories across the country. You can find some resource here on how to house train your dog or puppy ; and on how to make your new dog feel comfortable in your home.
We’ve Outlawed dog racing in Massachusetts and Florida recently I can’t believe we haven’t outlawed experimentation on dogs or any animal. That can be a pet in the home. I would adopt one of those beagles in a heartbeat.
I feel a need……a need for Beag’
I too would love to adopt one of those wonderful beagles.
I’m in Portland Oregon. I have a beagle mix and he would love a friend to kick it with.
Hi Bruce, thank you for showing interest in adopting or fostering one of the #4000Beagles. Check out our growing list of partners that are accepting the beagles into their adoption programs. We will continue to add groups to this list as it grows.
Do you plan to distribute any beagles to Connecticut? I see states around us (e.g., Mass) but not CT. I would like to support my local shelters.
HAVE any of the dogs been sent to Mandeville or Covington,La. I am retired and would love to adopt one.
Hi Gwen, interested in adopting or fostering one of the #4000Beagles? Check out our growing list of partners that are accepting the beagles into their adoption programs. We will continue to add groups to this list as it grows.
Where do I need to go?
I would like to adopt 2 beagles from the Virginia beagle rescue.