Nine beagles who have spent their lives in cages in a research lab got their first taste of freedom when they were rescued Wednesday by animal rights advocates. It took place in California, but has ramifications across the country. More than 67-thousand dogs are used annually in the U-S in laboratory testing, of everything from surgical techniques to industrial chemicals. Attorney Shannon Keith says her volunteer rescue team has to move quickly...as a research facility calls and gives them only a day or two to come get the dogs, before they're put down. She says the beagles aren't sure how to handle their new freedom.
Martin Stephens is with the Humane Society of the United States. He says beagles are the most common type of dog used in research when larger animals than mice or rats are needed. And more of them are being rescued, although the cases are rarely publicized.
Keith's organization, the Beagle Freedom Project, is one of only a few in the country focused on rescuing research animals. She says donations and adoptive families are helpful...but just as important, is sending a message to the research industry by purchasing products that are not tested on animals.
Keith says eventually, the dogs started running around and tails started wagging. But rescued research dogs have special needs and many have been de-barked, so they can't communicate like a normal dog. The goal is to rehabilitate them to become adoptable pets.
Martin Stephens is with the Humane Society of the United States. He says beagles are the most common type of dog used in research when larger animals than mice or rats are needed. And more of them are being rescued, although the cases are rarely publicized.
Keith's organization, the Beagle Freedom Project, is one of only a few in the country focused on rescuing research animals. She says donations and adoptive families are helpful...but just as important, is sending a message to the research industry by purchasing products that are not tested on animals.
Keith says eventually, the dogs started running around and tails started wagging. But rescued research dogs have special needs and many have been de-barked, so they can't communicate like a normal dog. The goal is to rehabilitate them to become adoptable pets.
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