Target: Shannon Keith, Founder and President; Beagle Freedom Project
Goal: Commend the work being done to save beagles used for testing
A small group intent on saving the breed most commonly used in laboratory testing is gaining ground by using a Good Samaritan approach to rescue beagles. The Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) is a last minute pardoner for dogs that would otherwise never see the light of day. These animal advocates are traveling the globe to see that imprisoned canines experience freedom and loving homes.
The Beagle Freedom Project was initiated in December 2010 by Shannon Keith when she learned that a laboratory was giving beagles used in testing a chance at parole. Keith, an animal rights attorney and international speaker, took immediate action by assuming responsibility for the animals. Since that initial rescue effort, over one hundred beagles have been saved.
The inhumane conditions these docile animals are bred to endure are heartbreaking. Caged for life and subjected to routine cruelty, many of these animals have never felt grass beneath their feet, known the warmth of sunshine or felt any touch other than harshness. Chosen because of their forgiving nature and ability to be fed inexpensively, the beagles traits of companionship and loyalty are turned against them. A breed known for its trusting, obedient nature, the beagle has fallen prey to a system of greed.
Last year alone almost 70,000 dogs were used for lab testing in the United States. Of that number, ninety-six percent were beagles. Commercial breeders are paid around $750.00 per beagle, a large incentive that has led to a market of puppy farms dedicated solely to providing beagles directly to scientific institutions. Once incarcerated, these dogs live for years in wire-bottom cages, leading to inflamed, infected paws. With no bedding, the prisoners are then forced to stand on bleeding paw pads, toes gripping the wire mesh in an attempt to relieve the pressure. One beagle survivor was found to have the veins in its front legs calloused as a result of repeated injections to test toxicity levels in products.
Once freed, these sad animals have trouble conceiving what the outdoors are. Afraid of human contact and many unable to bark due to invasive debarking surgeries, they are initially frightened and bewildered. The outside world poses numerous adjustment challenges to an animal who has only known solitary confinement.
Although these traumatized animals face long physical and emotional recoveries, the beauty of their breed conquers in their ability to adapt. The Beagle Freedom Project provides rehabilitation, fostering and adoption, retirement, transportation, and medical care. Gala and fund-raising events are also held to supply funding to this group that has taken upon itself the responsibility of a nation. Show your support of these valiant efforts by signing the petition below and add your voice to this show of appreciation.
Dear Shannon Keith,
The accomplishments made by your foundation deserve a standing ovation. Your acceptance of shouldering this cause is above admirable and deserves support and recognition. The increasing number of beagles your organization has saved from their life of torture and solitude is worthy of national awareness.
The above petition and this letter of gratitude are written in the hope that the Beagle Freedom Project will receive heightened awareness. Also contained is a note of personal gratitude for the work you and your team are doing.
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: veganrabbit.com