Ann Arbor, MI (August 8, 2022) — A bunch of Virginia beagles are boarding the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV’s) Love Train, to get a new “leash” on life in Michigan.

 

The beagles were among over 4,000 rescued from a research facility in Cumberland, VA, who’d been breeding and selling them for pharmaceutical testing. After finding the facility was failing to provide humane care and treatment, violating dozens of federal regulations—including not meeting even the minimum conditions for sanitation, feeding, watering, and veterinary care—a federal judge ordered Envigo RMS to release the dogs. The Humane Society of the United States (No affiliation with HSHV) is heading the effort to find shelters and rescues around the country who can provide medical care, behavioral assistance, and—when they’re ready—loving forever homes for all the dogs.

HSHV’s “Love Train,” a well-established life-saving transportation program using a specially equipped van and staff, is bringing a number of the beagles to HSHV, Capital Area Humane Society and other Michigan shelters.

“We’re delighted to be able to help these dogs, but it’s important to remember that this horrible and overwhelming situation is not from a hurricane or even illegal activity, but a wealthy corporation that bragged about providing great animal welfare while neglecting and abusing dogs as standard practice,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO. “Sadly, this happens anytime you mix financial gain with animal care. Profit always wins. In these cases, the poor animals go from cruel breeding facilities to being caged, deprived and hurt over and over the rest of their short lives in laboratory experiments.”

“Breeding facilities are a lot like factory farms. There is no regard for individual life and suffering. And so much of the experimentation done on animals is completely unnecessary,” adds Hilgendorf. “We know so much now about the social, emotional and intellectual capacity of animals, and suffering that comes from being the subject of experimentation.”

“People are overwhelmingly against using animals in painful research, especially for trivial reasons and when alternatives exist. There is pending legislation at both the federal and state levels to help right some of these wrongs.  For instance, Teddy’s Law would require Michigan labs to transfer “retired” dogs and cats used in research to shelters so they can be adopted instead of killed. It’s time for our policy makers to make real change.”

 

About The Humane Society of Huron Valley:

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal “save-rate” among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. More information can be found on HSHV’s website (hshv.org) and on our annual report (hshv.org/annualreport).

 

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