4,000 Beagles Rescued from a Virginia Lab — Here’s How to Help!
Nearly 4,000 beagles were rescued from a pharmaceutical testing facility in Virginia. Where are they headed, and what can you do to help? We've got the details!
If your idea of heaven is watching hundreds of puppies race toward you with tongues lolling and tails wagging, your heart is about to burst for the nearly 4,000 beagles set to be rescued and rehomed after a federal judge ordered their release from a pharmaceutical testing facility in Cumberland, VA.
Editor’s Note: If you are sensitive, this story contains information about a high-profile case of animal cruelty. But it has a happy ending!
You may have seen this story pop up on your social media or news feed at the end of July, but here’s a brief recap if you missed it: The Humane Society of the United States, in conjunction with several rescue organizations nationwide, went into the Envigo facility in Virginia to secure and transport thousands of beagles who were being bred for research.
Violating dozens of federal regulations, the laboratory had already been visited multiple times for inspections, during which they found dogs who were malnourished, sick, suffering from various injuries, and worse. These pups were each identified by merely a number (if you’re a Stranger Things fan, think “Eleven”), cooped up in small cages without proper care. Many suffered acute distress from the extreme temperatures.
Fortunately, the federal court stepped in to ensure these pups have a more promising future. Now, everyone is racing against the clock to transition the pups out of captivity and into loving homes … and they have about 60 days to do it. Deemed the most extensive dog rescue in the history of the Humane Society, it’s no small operation — physically or financially. In fact, it’s estimated that each pup will cost between $275 and $700 before it is adoption-ready, given that many have captivity-related health problems. Additionally, each dog will be spayed or neutered and appropriately vaccinated before being adopted out.
Though many — if not most — of the pups suffer from under-socialization, their forever homes aren’t far away. And while older dogs may find it harder to adapt to a new environment after being confined for so long, one thing is sure: They all deserve loving homes! Thanks to trusted organizations such as the Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, pups are already being rehabilitated and adopted.
If this story tugs at your heartstrings, you aren’t alone. Finding permanent homes for so many dogs will undoubtedly take a while, and the efforts will be ongoing. You can check the Humane Society website to make a donation, or join the “Beagle Dream Team” through Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary for updates, adoption applications, fundraising, fostering, and even supply donations through their Chewy Wishlist. We even have confirmation that the Nashville Humane Association will be putting some of the puppies up for adoption! Additionally, here’s a list of partner organizations that are assisting with the rescue:
- 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)
Here’s to a happy ending!
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.