SAN DIEGO — It’s little things like putting on a harness and going on a walk that make up big victories for the tiny beagle named Jersey. She was one of thousands of beagles rescued from a mass breeding facility in Virginia. Many of the dogs were destined for animal testing labs around the U.S.
Jersey’s new parents Aimee and Antony Novom say she’d never walked on a leash before and still isn’t quite sure if she likes grass. They’re happy their other dog Cookie can help teach her how to be a dog.
“Cookie just does what Cookie does and then I feel like she’s modeling for Jersey, kind of showing her the ropes around the house,” Aimee said.
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Envigo, claiming the facility was violating the Animal Welfare Act by euthanizing dogs with treatable conditions, unexplained puppy deaths and malnutrition. The Humane Society of the United States coordinated the removal of 4,000 Beagles and transferred them to rescue partners across the country.
Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said: “This is a truly historic moment in animal protection, as 4,000 beagles are spared a life of animal testing. We are honored that the Department of Justice asked us to lead this massive operation. Our Animal Rescue Team is ready for this challenge because this is who we are — what we have trained for — we take on what otherwise seems impossible. We are grateful to our dedicated independent rescue and shelter partners, a network of organizations in communities throughout the country. These remarkable dogs now have wonderful homes and lives ahead of them, just as they deserve.”
The biggest challenges Jersey faces now are mastering the stairs and dealing with separation anxiety from her new family.
“She really loves attention. She loves to be loved,” Aimee said. “I feel lucky. I feel blessed that these guys are part of our family.”
Jersey was part of a group of over 40 beagles who were sent to Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.
Monica Petruzzelli has been fostering some of them. She says they were known only by the number tattooed in their ears, but now they’ve been given names and are finding new homes.
“To see them on the other side and to know for a fact that they will have the perfect families,” Petruzzelli said. “They are going to be living their life to the fullest from here on out.”
Petruzzelli says many of the beagles are like puppies, figuring out how to live life; whether it’s figuring out how to drink from a bowl or realizing you can’t dig on wood.
“Every day has just been a joy with him because I get to see all of these amazing milestones,” she said.
Matt Lieurance runs Farm Animal Refuge, a rescue focused on abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals.
Daisy is a 3-and-a-half month-old sheep they rescued from another animal testing lab. Lieurance says she is about half the size she should be, due to severe malnourishment.
“A lot of people that we talk to in our rescue work, when we tell the stories of these lab animals have no idea lab testing on animals is still even a thing,” Lieurance said. “They think it’s barbaric, they know it’s barbaric, they thought it was an outdated practice, but it’s happening all over the world, especially in the United States.”
Some studies have shown animal testing does not correctly predict human reactions. Lieurance hopes people can see the value of all animals by connecting with the beagles.
“If you’re using a shampoo or a personal care product that they had to test on animals because of what’s in it, I would maybe look at those ingredients and think about what you’re putting on your body or what you’re using in your home and why they have to use an animal to make sure those products are safe instead of focusing on natural things that you can buy,” he said.
Aimee and Antony hope someday Jersey will enjoy playing with her toys; but for now, her family is focused on making sure she feels safe and loved.
“It hurts to think of what she has been through and we’re just happy to be able to provide her a nicer life and hope that others will take the chance because it’s definitely worth it,” Antony said.
An additional 108 beagles arrived in San Diego County Wednesday and will be placed in San Diego Humane Society, Rancho Coastal Humane Society and PAWS of Coronado.
Envigo recently reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to resolve civil and administrative complaints.