HSUS Removes The Remaining 312 Beagles From The Nearly 4,000 At The Envigo Animal Breeding Facility Bound For Animal Testing

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has completed its historic mission to remove nearly 4,000 beagles from a mass breeding facility which bred dogs to be sold to laboratories for animal experimentation. The last group of 312 beagles was removed from the facility earlier today, and of the group, 52 are en route to the HSUS’ care center. In the coming days, they will be transported to independent shelter and rescue partners to find loving forever homes.

Since July, HSUS has been leading the operation to remove the beagles from Envigo RMS LLC’s facility in Cumberland, Virginia, at the request of the United States Department of Justice. The transfer resulted from a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in May, which alleged shocking violations of the Animal Welfare Act at the breeding facility.

“Our Animal Rescue Team’s work to transfer these beagles is a milestone in a fight we’ve been waging for years. It’s ironic that these dogs were only spared from a lifetime of pain, suffering, and isolation in testing labs because this breeding facility was cited for Animal Welfare Act violations,” said Kitty Block, President and CEO of HSUS.

“Most of them would have been sold and spent their short lives in laboratories. Many people don’t realize that an average of 60,000 dogs just like these are still used in laboratories each year,” continued Block. “Even as we celebrate these lucky dogs going to loving homes, we’re focused on creating a future where no dogs will face that kind of fate.”

Since the start of this massive task, thousands of beagles have been placed with more than 100 shelters and rescues across the country. This is a true story of triumph and new beginnings for thousands of dogs, most of whom were once destined for a life of suffering and death because of laboratory testing.

“It’s been an incredible journey for the HSUS and our Animal Rescue Team to lead this transfer of approximately 4,000 beagles. Through the help of over 120 shelter and rescue partners, we were able to remove every dog from the facility in approximately two months and begin the process of finding them new, loving homes. Now the beagles’ next steps begin as they enjoy their new lease on life. The HSUS will continue the work of promoting alternatives to animal testing so that this antiquated practice may come to an end,” said Miguel Abi-hassan, chief animal rescue, care and sanctuary officer for HSUS. “We ask those touched by this story to join our efforts so that this may be the last time we are asked to empty a facility that profits from animal testing.”

If you’re interested in adopting one of the rescued beagles, please view the list of partners that are accepting the beagles into their adoption programs, HERE!