CREDIT: Homeward Trails/Cover Images

The Homeward Trails Animal Rescue organisation has been flooded with cuteness after assisting with the transfer of 4,000 Beagles from the massive Envigo breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia. Following the closure of the breeding factory due to legislative efforts and undercover investigations, Homeward Trails negotiated a deal to receive 500 of the Beagles that had become surplus during the COVID-19 pandemic and place them for adoption. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports, Envigo’s facility committed 70 animal rights violations, including more than 300 puppy deaths in the beginning of 2021 from unknown causes, inhumanely euthanising puppies, severe skin problems and dental disease among dogs, as well as dogs wounded in dog fights. This led to further action by the United States Department of Justice, resulting in the closure of the facility. Senior United States District Court Judge Norman K. Moon approved a joint plan of the U.S. Department of Justice and Envigo to remove approximately 4,000 surviving dogs from the Cumberland, Virginia, facility. Homeward Trails, which is based in Fairfax, Virginia, is partnering with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to remove many of the Beagles and secure foster and adoptive homes for them - resulting in one of the largest dog rescue efforts in history. “This is one of the largest dog rescue efforts ever coordinated and has truly been a group effort. To know that these dogs will get to have the lives they deserve and not languish in cages for the rest of their lives is just so rewarding,” said Sue Bell, executive director of Homeward Trails. “For months now, we have witnessed first-hand the joy these dogs experience when their feet touch grass for the first time, they get a bone to chew on, and they experience love from a human being.” Homeward Trails and HSUS begun rehoming the dogs to loving owners and other rescue centres in July. Those in the Washington D.C. area who fancy adopting a Beagle can submit applications to Homeward Trails’ website, homewardtrails.org.