4000 beagles rescued from Envigo breeding and research facility

Image courtesy of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue

The Department of Justice and the Humane Society of the United States rescued 4000 beagles from Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland, Virginia.¹ A federal judge approved the department’s request to remove the animals after evidence of neglect and maltreatment of the dogs.

Envigo claims on its website the company’s work with animals as, “At Envigo, animal welfare is a top priority. We adopt a humane and compassionate approach, actively fostering a culture of care toward our animals and aiming to operate at the highest professional standards. Animals that are well cared for allow us to produce better science and more reliable data.”

“We have a company-wide animal welfare policy that defines and drives the standards for our animal care and welfare throughout Envigo,” the statement continued.²

However, according to The New York Times, federal inspectors found instances of malnourished, sick and injured beagles in Envigo’s care.³ The dogs were kept in cages where feces and food waste piled up, according to court documents. More than 300 puppies died at the facility between January and July of last year.³

Image courtesy of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue

Local Virginia-based nonprofit, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, is helping with the rescue and placement of dogs in new homes and foster caregivers. According to a Facebook post from the Homeward Trails Animal Rescue account, the organization has already rescued 500 dogs and placed them in new homes. The organization plans to remove the remaining beagles from Envigo and set them up for adoption as well.

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is currently seeking willing fosters for these animals and any donations to help fund the rescues. For anyone looking to help, email info@homewardtrails.org.

References

1. Statement on the removal of approximately 4,000 beagles from a breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia. News release. The Humane Society of the United States. July 7, 2022. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.humanesociety.org/news/statement-removal-approximately-4000-beagles-breeding-facility-cumberland-virginia
2. Envigo. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.envigo.com/our-work-with-animals
3. Jimenez J, Rubin A. 4,000 beagles are being rescued from a Virigina facility. Now they need new homes. The New York Times. July 12, 2022. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/12/us/envigo-beagles-breeder-adoption.html