Beagles From Closed Breeding Facility Up For Adoption In Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Beagles from a controversial, closed breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia are up for adoption in the Sarasota area.

A federal judge shut down the facility, Envigo, in July after an investigation found the company breeds and sells animals for research, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Envigo also failed “to meet the (Animal Welfare Act’s) minimum standards for handling, housing, feeding, watering, sanitation and adequate veterinary care, among other requirements,” the agency said.

The breeder agreed to permanently stop all activity that would require an AWA license and also handed all remaining beagles to the Humane Society of the United States. By settling with the DOJ and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Envigo won’t have to pay any fines or penalties.

The closure of the facility left 4,000 dogs in need of a home. They’ve been sent to animal adoption organizations throughout the country.

The Humane Society of Sarasota County received 18 of these beagles through a partnership with the HSUS.

Usually, HSSC has a “first-come, first-serve adoption policy,” according to the organization’s website. “Because the needs of these beagles are unique, we will be accepting and screening applications separately for them.”

The adoption process for the beagles started Aug. 26. Applications can be found here and will be accepted through Friday. The adoption fee is $200.

Humane Society staff will review the applications for compatibility and contact potential adopters after Labor Day. The organization won’t offer adoption holds on the beagles.

The rescued pups are being monitored and cared for by the Humane Society.

“We’re recording the new experiences these dogs will go through since they were deprived a traditional upbringing,” the group wrote on its Facebook page.

On Tuesday, the beagles tried peanut butter for the first time

“Each dog was given peanut butter in their kennel as a treat after cleaning was done,” the Humane Society shared on Facebook. “Some did not know what to make of gooey substance and others drew to it right away! It is a special treat for staff to afford these moments to these dogs.”