DHA, SPCA Welcome Beagles Rescued From Virginia Breeding Facility

Press release from DHA:

Aug. 24, 2022

Mere hours ago, Delaware Humane Association (DHA) and Delaware SPCA welcomed 12 beagles from the group of 4,000 beagles removed from a mass-breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia after numerous animal welfare violations. The dogs arrived safely at DHA’s Wilmington Adoption Center and Delaware SPCA’s Stanton/Christiana Adoption Center, where they are now being housed and cared for.

This transfer comes following a lawsuit filed against Envigo by the U.S. Department of Justice in May, alleging Animal Welfare Act violations at the facility. Repeated federal inspections resulted in dozens of violations, including inadequate veterinary care, insufficient food, unsanitary living conditions, and even dogs being “euthanized” without anesthesia.

In conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Delaware animal welfare centers worked together to ensure the arrival of nearly 40 of the beagles removed from the breeding facility. Faithful Friends Animal Society, First State Animal Center, and Delaware SPCA/Delaware Humane Association all worked collaboratively to ensure safe transport of the dogs.

The transfer plan was submitted by the Department of Justice and Envigo RMS LLC, with the agreement of the HSUS to assume the responsibility of coordinating placement. In late July the HSUS Animal Rescue Team started removing the beagles from the mass breeding facility and transporting them to their official animal rescue partners around the country, including Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA. HSUS, working with a vast number of shelters and animal welfare organizations including DHA and DELSPCA, is placing these beagles with organizations equipped to best care for their immediate and long-term needs.

“We are happy to be involved in this national effort with HSUS to help these beagles have a great new life in loving homes” Patrick Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of DHA states. Carroll continues, “At Delaware Humane and Delaware SPCA we know every animal by name, and are thrilled to name these beagles with the help of our community, get them adopted, and ensure they live long and happy lives.”

DELSPCA and DHA are asking the community to help ensure that their road to recovery is as smooth as possible by considering donating at: https://bit.ly/3pkenkX. All contributions will support the beagles' intake exams, necessary medical treatment, nutritious food, warm beds, as well as the Tailroad Express Transport Program, which allows DHA & DELSPCA to make this type of lifesaving work possible every day.

Donations made over $250 or more to support the beagles’ care by Thursday, August 18 at 9PM EST will have the opportunity to name one of the 12 dogs. Winning names will be announced later this week on the DHA and DELSPCA social media pages.

Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA merged earlier this year and will announce their new brand name and logo in early September. Combined, the newly merged organization has over 200 years’ experience in animal rescue, rescuing 3,500 animals annually. They also provide a myriad of community services to pet owners such as low-cost vaccination clinics and spay/neuter services, low-cost veterinary services, training programs, a free pet food pantry, and more.

Learn more about Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA including information on how to adopt, foster, volunteer, and more by visiting www.delawarehumae.org and www.delawarespca.org.

This press release was produced by DHA. The views expressed here are the author's own.