(Photo of Representatives from the five Shelters that rescued the animals. provided with release)
(Center Twp., Pa.)  Five local organizations, including Beaver County Humane Society (BCHS), have teamed up to transport 21 beagles to western Pennsylvania. The dogs were relocated from the Virginia-based Envigo facility that breeds beagles for the laboratory industry after an investigation conducted by the Humane Society of the United States resulted in the surrender of up to 4,000 dogs in July.
“We are deeply grateful to be collaborating with other local regional shelters, said Susan Salyards, Executive Director of BCHS. “What’s so heartwarming about this entire effort is that these dogs will not have to live their lives for research
purposes and can enjoy what it feels like to be comforted and loved in a forever home.”
The cooperative rescue and transport were coordinated by staff at Animal Friends, Beaver County Humane Society, Butler County Humane Society, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) and Washington Area Humane Society. Through the combined efforts of the five organizations, the 21 beagles were transported from the Envigo facility located in Cumberland, VA to Pittsburgh, a 6 1/2 hour trip spanning approximately 350 miles.
The dogs arrived at HARP’s Northside campus on the evening of Monday, Aug. 8 where smaller groups then made their way to the other participating organizations. Each of the dogs will undergo a medical exam and will receive all appropriate vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before being made available for adoption.
This initiative was so critical to the five participating organizations after a nationwide plea went out to shelters and rescue groups to assist with this case. Because western Pennsylvania has such a compassionate community that comes together in times of crisis, the staff and volunteers at Animal Friends, Beaver County Humane Society, Butler County Humane Society, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) and Washington Area Humane Society came together to make this lifesaving effort possible.