Last month, 4,000 beagles rescued from the clutches of big pharma celebrated their one-year freedom anniversary.
An undercover sting operation, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of justice in concert with the Humane Society, closed a Cumberland, VA, breeding facility in July, 2023. Breeders supplied research lab, Envigo, with animals on which to conduct medical experiments. Over the next two months, rescues and animal advocacy groups coordinated their removal and temporary placement. Following wellness checks and rehab, dogs transported to cities across the U.S. for fostering and adoption.
The beagles’ adopting pet parents from coast to coast marked the year anniversary with “Freedom Birthday” parties last month. Reunions of liberated kennel-mates sprang up in towns and cities receiving the animals.
“It’s like, they didn’t miss a beat,” Cindy Leek, an original foster-turned-adopter and reunion coordinator, told ABC News. “They were tumbling all over each other. It forged a new experience for our family as well. I would absolutely do it again.”
Severely ill, abused and undernourished a little more than a year ago, the animals today roll on grassy yards, enjoy long walks and lap up canine-friendly cake. New pet parents reported remarkable transformations.
Alli and Tyler Trent of Christiansburg, VA, said their adopted Beagle, Maple, often recoiled at her new surroundings. “The grass was very scary for her,” Ms. Trent told the New York Times. Maple also cowered when unfamiliar people approached. Now, the four-year-old Maple loves sunbathing, belly rubs and lounging in her bed.
“Nothing was easy,” Ms. Trent recalled, “but she just needed some extra patience and time. She’s learning to trust, and she’s learning that the only people in her life now are good people that love her so much!”
Activists against animal testing, Lauren and Trevor Kellogg recalled that life outside the lab was “a very hard transition” for their newly-adopted Nellie. She spooked easily and got unnerved by new situations; her tail constantly drooped.
“The first couple of months was teaching her that not everything was scary,” Ms. Kellogg said. Nellie’s behavior dramatically improved when the couple moved to a house with a yard. Her rescued sibling, Beasley, has also been a support. Now, Nellie’s tail only points up — and she wags it at every opportunity.
When Sir Biscuit (formerly Fin) arrived at the home of Ms. Suzanne Brown-Pelletier in North Yarmouth, Maine, he drooled or lay flat out of anxiety. “His little paws had never touched anything other than a metal cage,” she said, and “he didn’t know what a toy was.” Brown-Pelletier’s other dogs, both spaniels, tutored Sir Biscuit in the ways of dogdom including how to explore and play.
Sir Biscuit was the last of the 4,000 Beagles removed from Cumberland. “I can’t imagine what that must’ve felt like for him,” said Brown-Pelletier who showers him with love: “I give him all kinds of kisses on his nose and tell him I’m playing the beagle bugle,” she said.
High-profilers have stepped up to adopt the beagles including Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy. Adam Parascandola, vice president of the animal rescue team for the Humane Society of the United States, and his wife, Stephanie Prete, adopted Enzo.
“People need to be aware of their ability and tolerance to deal with socializing dogs,” he said, particularly dogs that have had little contact with humans or other animals. To promote the best outcome, “Let the dog take the lead on what they’re ready for.”