GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - Officials said 25 beagles are making their way to Grand Rapids for a chance at a better life after being rescued along with thousands of other dogs from "filthy prison-like conditions" in Virginia.
The Humane Society of West Michigan made the announcement Friday on social media, saying that the dogs will be given medical care and rehabilitation before being placed for adoption.
The Humane Society said the dogs are part of 4,000 beagles that were rescued from a research facility in Cumberland, Va. after it was shut down over numerous animal welfare violations.
The dogs were reportedly bred over and over until they could be sold for lab testing.
"The dogs in this facility were kept in filthy prison-like conditions and were hungry, sick, mistreated, and in some cases, dead," the Humans Society said. "Those who were able-bodied were headed for testing labs and they didn’t know how to play. They didn’t have names."
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Authorities said they do not know what kind of condition the dogs will be in upon arrival, but they remain committed to seeing the dogs live happy, healthy lives.
The facility that housed the dogs was owned by Envigo RMS LLC -- it is reported that the dogs were all tattooed with the company's brand on the inside of their ears.
Government inspectors shut down the facility after they found that beagles there were being killed instead of receiving veterinary treatment for easily treated conditions. Additionally, 25 puppies died from cold exposure, nursing mother beagles were denied food, and food that the dogs did receive contained maggots, mold and feces.
More than likely, the dogs will need medical and behavioral care, officials in Michigan said. The Humane Society has started a fundraiser to help offset the cost of transportation, veterinary needs and supplies.
"Working to rescue, medically treat and relocate the dogs has been an enormous undertaking that has required the help of veterinarians, volunteers, and drivers--and now we need help from dog lovers just like you," the group said on social media.
So far, the organization has raised over $2,300 of its $10,000 goal.
For more information about the fundraiser and the society's efforts, please visit here.
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