(WWJ) Hundreds of dogs are being rescued from an out-of-state research facility.
WWJ's Ryan Wrecker reported Friday that, so far, 1,500 beagles have been taken in by rescue shelters across the country in an effort to save them from a testing facility that had over 300 animal cruelty citations against them.
The beagles were bred in Wisconsin and sold to bio-medical research facilities.
One of the shelters taking in animals is across is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, at the Northwoods Animal Shelter in Iron River.
They posted on social media that the beagles arrived without names — only identification numbers tattooed inside their ears.
Most, if not all, never touched grass in their lives until they were rescued by Northwoods.
This transitionary period is crucial, the shelter said, and the dogs are not ready to be adopted just yet.
The shelter said in an update this week:
These peanuts have been here less than 24 hours and are already taking their first steps toward their best lives! One of the six has already moved into an experienced foster home as part of their individualized care plan.
Our focus is ensuring each of these dogs receives the support they need during this important rehabilitation period.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support an while they are not yet available for adoption, your kindness is already helping change their lives. If you’d like to support in their ongoing care, the best way to do that is by making a donation to our beagle fund directly. Donations will help provided medical care, food, foster support, and rehabilitation resources.
Thank you for being a part of their journey.
Northwoods said they're in the process of working with the dogs, and they've received an overwhelming amount of support and interest.
For now, financial support for the dogs is welcome. Get more information or make a donation to help at this link.
