Rescued beagles. Image from Humane Society video
The San Diego Humane Society is welcoming more than 100 of the 4,000 beagles who are part of a large-scale rescue from a Virginia-based company that breeds and sells animals for use in scientific testing.
The beagles are expected to arrive on a Greater Goods Charities flight at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on Aug. 31. They will then be transported to San Diego Humane Society’s El Cajon Campus for intake and exams.
The removal of the beagles from a company called Envigo comes after a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in May that detailed horrific violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
The Humane Society of the United States is leading the effort to remove and place the rescued beagles. San Diego Humane Society is not affiliated with HSUS, but often partners with the organization to better the lives of animals in need.
This is a major operation and shelters across the country are stepping up to care for the beagles.
“For our staff and volunteers, this day could not come soon enough,” said San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman. “This has been one of the busiest and most challenging summers in recent memory. But we are here to help animals who need us, regardless of where they live. These beagles deserve this second chance and we’re very glad to be able to open our doors to them, just as we will soon ask our community to do.”
San Diego Humane Society will take in all 100-plus beagles and give them immediate care. The organization has foster volunteers at the ready to help care for the beagles. Approximately 50 of the beagles will stay with SDHS fosters until adoption.
San Diego Humane Society is also working with local shelters and rescue partners, including Rancho Coastal Humane Society and PAWS of Coronado, to place the remainder of the beagles.
Members of the community who want to follow the beagles at San Diego Humane Society, or make a donation, can visit sdhumane.org/beagles.