Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (July 22, 2022) – Over 4,000 beagles at a Virginia mass breeding facility, bred for lab testing purposes, are being released from the facility after an investigation uncovered inhumane animal treatment, such as inadequate veterinary care and insufficient food. Yesterday, as the Department of Justice began the process of shutting the facility down, the first 432 beagles were removed with some making their way to the West Coast. This Saturday, July 23, 2022, Helen Woodward Animal Center is honored to assist as 45 of these beagles arrive at the Center for medical checks and head to foster homes in preparation for adoption.
This initiative is part of the Humane Society of the United States’ ‘largest operation ever.’ A seventh month investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found over 70 Animal Welfare Act violations at the Virginia facility named Envigo. The disturbing conditions include being held in sweltering temperatures and unneeded euthanizing, some without anesthesia. Animal Rescue Organizations from California, Wyoming, and Texas are opening their doors to the 4,000 canines this week. The Helen Woodward Animal Center is one of two California organizations (and the only in San Diego) to be a part of this incredible life-saving mission.
“This has been a challenging year for many shelters and we know that trying to find organizations that have the room for such a large number of canines is tough” stated Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Services Director Hella Tyler. “We are grateful to have such an extraordinary group of foster families that can help us save these lives. These puppies really need love and human kindness to show them all of the wonderful things a normal puppy’s life should provide. We couldn’t be more thrilled to assist with this rescue.” Since the beagles have lived their life in a lab and have been under socialized with humans, the Center is seeking even more fosters to prepare these pups for life in a loving home. If you are interested in fostering you can email Helen Woodward Foster Program at Fosters@animalcenter.org.
To donate to assist with this rescue, please click on: www.AnimalCenter.org/BeagleRescue
Because of the huge intake, the Center is also in need of some supplies to send off with the fosters including x-pens, toys, bowls, and leashes. These supplies will help the rescued pups feel more comfortable after their traumatic upbringing.
If you would like to help with supply donations please donate gently used items or head to our Beagle Rescue Amazon Wish List to send them straight to us>>https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/VFDHGWZ2X4MR/ref=smi_cl_ls_lol_ls
For information on adopting, please click on www.animalcenter.org or call (858)756-4117 ext. 1. You may also stop by Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road, in Rancho Santa Fe.
About Helen Woodward Animal CenterHelen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.
