The Beagle Freedom Project recently saved the lives of FORTY Beagles. These precious animals were being used for laboratory testing and their lives were close to being over. Did they ever really begin?
The Beagles were saved. I was relieved to see these beautiful animals rescued, but my mind started to race. I thought to myself, “How many labratories are there?” I wanted to spread awareness to you, my reader, on this sensitive subject. Shy, sweet, Beagles being used like test tube, lab bottles. Some Beagles being used in these laboratories eventually leave and need homes.
Here is the story of the “Beagle Freedom Project“.
In December of 2010, a woman by the name of Shannon Keith received information that Beagles were being used for lab experiments. This testing is taking place in university settings and other medical, pharmaceutical, household product, and cosmetic facilities. When the Beagles are no longer needed, some labs try to find a home for the Beagles. Some research experts say that because Beagles are so docile they are the perfect animal for lab testing. (Says who?! This is where I become angry. Sure take a shy animal that trusts you with its life and use it for lab tests!)
*Taking a deep breath and getting back to the heart of the matter.*
Recently, forty Beagles were rescued from a research lab in Spain. The horrific part of this story is that the lab was set to close and the Beagles (who range from 4-8 years old) were set to be killed. (Take a deep breath, this ends well) According to Shannon Keith, forty purebred Beagles were either going to be killed or someone needed to make a commitment to get them out of the situation.
…and out they went! God Bless Shannon Keith!
I was watching the news coverage of these Beagles and I was filled with sadness. These Beagles spent their entire lives in cages. They never played, ran, or bonded with other dogs; Nor did they see the world outside. On the news report, they filmed a Beagle hesitating to step out of the cage. The Beagle had no idea what it felt like to step on green grass. The only human contact the Beagles had was someone picking them up to test on them.
Beagle Freedom rocks!
Beagle Freedom rescued the forty Beagles and flew them to Los Angeles. All expenses were paid for by Beagle Freedom. The dogs are receiving medical treatment and will need loving, kind, warm, gentle homes.
There are more Beagles that need to be saved. With people like Shannon Keith, it is with hope these beautiful animals will continue to be rescued. As more lab Beagles are saved, more homes will be needed to foster and adopt. Though there will be tons of TLC required to bring these lab Beagles to normalcy, every bit of work is worth it. How incredible would it be to take an animal and give them the life they almost did not have? The transformation of a lab Beagle (who has no idea what their true role is) to being a D-O-G takes love and patience; But the benefits of seeing that transformation are priceless.
If you would like more information on the Beagle Freedom Project, visit http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org
Here at Puppytoob.com I have the amazing opportunity to write about my favorite animals–dogs. But let’s be honest; As dog lovers we are familiar with these two words (that make our blood boil)–”animal cruelty“. As a writer for Puppytoob.com, I like to keep my subjects light-hearted, enjoyable, and informative. On the flip side, I also want to keep my readers in touch with what is going on in dog land. I am against animal testing and I cannot help but wonder how breeders of laboratory dogs can watch them come in to the world knowing their life–really is no life at all. Money; it’s all about the almighty dollar. It’s obscene. I am confident these Beagles will soon know what it is like to roll in the grass, play tug-of war with their owner, and sleep soundly at night. They were rescued for one reason–to be Beagles, not bottles!
