Cumberland, Virginia – Thousands of beagles destined to be sold to research facilities will instead be up for adoption after being removed from the Envigo breeding and research facility at the request of a judge. The dogs were removed because of multiple Animal Welfare Act violations and failed inspections at the Cumberland breeding facility. Allegations against Envigo included unsanitary conditions, a lack of food and veterinary care, and euthanasia being performed on dogs who were not sedated first.
According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the massive undertaking will take place in stages over the next 60 days. Adoptive homes will be secured through HSUS and its rescue partners.
Miguel Abi-hassan, chief animal rescue, care, and sanctuary officer for the Humane Society of the United States, said:
“These dogs have lived their lives in a massive breeding facility riddled with Animal Welfare Act violations. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with our shelter and rescue partners to give these beagles a new life.”
On July 13, HSUS provided more information about the rescue partners who are working to place the rescued beagles:
We’re busy coordinating the transport of these dogs. We’ll update the list of partners throughout the next two months and encourage you to check this page often. Please note that while some dogs may travel to the West Coast, the majority will be placed with East Coast and Midwest partners.
- Homeward Trails (Virginia)
- Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary (Wyoming)
- Massachusetts SPCA (Massachusetts)
- Northeast Animal Shelter (Massachusetts)
- Priceless Pets (California)
Each rescue agency will be responsible for the placement of these dogs. HSUS said:
If you’re interested in adopting, fostering or donating to a local shelter or rescue in your area that is assisting with the placement of the dogs, please contact the individual organizations below for more information.
Please note that each shelter will have its own process for foster and adoption requests and we cannot guarantee that each interested adopter will receive a dog. If you are unable to adopt one of the approximately 4,000 beagles, we encourage you to consider the tens of thousands of beagles and many other animals other pets waiting for a loving home in your local shelter or rescue group.
All dogs will be placed with HSUS Rescue and partners. Find the HSUS Rescue and Partner application at this link.
Please bring some to Canada, I would love to adopt one or two. Our shelters are empty over here.
If this is Envigo’s doing, they should be responsible for all costs associated with the care and adoption of these dogs. And if Envigo has government sponsorship they should also be financially responsible. Those responsible should not get off scott free as they historically do and rightfully be held responsible.