Beagles rescued from Midwest lab for first time in Twin Cities

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – According to the Humane Society, an average of nearly 60,000 dogs are used in experiments each year in the United States.

Most are euthanized after experiments, but a group of ten beagles are given a second chance at life after being rescued from a Midwest laboratory.

Canadian nonprofit The Beagle Alliance brought three of the dogs back to Manitoba on Monday, stopping in Bloomington at a volunteer’s home along the way. This is where the 3-year-old pups got to experience a grass-filled garden for the first time.

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“I can’t tell you which lab they came from, that’s confidential,” said Lori Cohen, executive director of The Beagle Alliance.

Cohen said it is unclear what the dogs were used for. Nationally, dogs are most commonly used for biomedical experiments or drug safety testing. Once the dogs are removed from the laboratory environment, they are often traumatized and need some time to adjust, she said.

“There’s going to be some decompression and there’s just going to be love and patience, and slowly they’re coming out of their shell,” Cohen said.

More than 250 U.S. facilities report using dogs in experiments each year. The majority are companies, community colleges/technical schools and public universities.

“Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed in laboratory testing, worldwide, because they are docile, forgiving and, unfortunately, easily fit into a cage,” Cohen said.

Some states, including Minnesota, have laws that require labs to offer dogs for adoption to shelters when possible.

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“Most animals are euthanized after examination, and that is not necessary. As we know, they can live longer outside the cage than in the cage, so that is what we hope for,” she said. .

Volunteer Kathy Myer knows this firsthand. Two of her dogs were used in the testing.

“To see my dogs and see what they’ve been through and overcome, and know they’re on their way to a great life, it’s just amazing,” Myer said.

The beagles then go to a foster home for four to eight weeks before being adopted.