(original Beagle photo from here)
Have you heard of the Beagle Freedom Project? It was founded in 2010 to rescue laboratory beagles and find them forever homes. Before I became a part of the pet blogging community, I had no idea that beagles were commonly tested on in labs - because of their friendly and people-pleasing attitude, the research industry decided to use them for pharmaceutical and cosmetic experiments.
These dogs are not free. They are not happy. They are routinely tested on, kept in cages, and ignored. They will often be euthanized once the researchers are done with them. Beagle Freedom Project works with cooperative labs to rescue and transport beagles to new homes.
Recently, Minnesota (our neighbors to the North) became the first state in the country to pass the Beagle Freedom Bill. This allows the dogs and cats used in research facilities to be put up for adoption once they are of no use to labs. It's a great start to what will hopefully be a nationwide movement - rather than being put down, the dogs will have their chance at a life as a pet, not as a test subject.
My friend and coworker recently showed me this video of research beagles stepping onto grass for the first time. The video is rather old (I'm a bit behind the times!), but it is incredibly moving. These dogs have no idea what grass is or what it means to play! Definitely watch the video...but have a tissue or two handy.
So, how can we help? Click this link to read more about what you can do to help promote the Beagle Freedom Bill!
I love the Beagle Freedom Project!! I'm actually contemplating a BF pup when the time comes. I really wish companies would stop testing on animals though, I really think we need to find a way to stop the testing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the bliog hop, what a great post.
I agree; I don't understand why this is still happening in the first place. How do people think that it's okay?! Thank you so much for reading <3
DeleteHI Y'all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving post.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Aww, thank you. Those types of videos break my heart!!
DeleteThanks so much for joining the hop. I understand the need for research, but I wonder why they wouldn't adopt them out in the first place.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me there...I don't understand how, in this day and age, people can think this is okay. It's a step in the right direction, though, and I hope to see much more progress in the near future! Thanks for reading :)
DeleteThis is just heart breaking. I'm happy that these dogs are going to get the opportunity for a normal life, but they shouldn't have to go through the testing. I read an article earlier today about putting an end to animal testing. I'll have to see if I can find it again and send it to you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree; I don't understand how this is still going on. Can't wait to read the article! :)
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