Rescuing Research Dogs: US Marshals Escorted Westchester SPCA

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — The 18 beagles who are among 4,000 rescued from a research breeding facility in Virginia shut down for repeated violations are settling in at the SPCA of Westchester.

"Most are really starting to come out of their shells and we are starting to see their adorable, distinct personalities shine through," Lisa Bonanno-Spence told Patch. "A few are still very shy but we will work with them and find them the right home where they feel safe and can thrive!"

The Envigo RMS LLC facility became infamous after an investigation found that thousands of dogs who were being bred for research purposes were forced to live in confined, unsanitary, and inhumane conditions. After years of violations and legislative debate in Virginia, including new regulations passed by the legislature this year, federal agents seized hundreds of dogs and puppies found to be "in acute distress" and closed it in early July.

Since then, the Humane Society of the United States has been working with the Department of Justice and Envigo. "It takes a massive network of compassionate, expert shelters and rescues to make an operation of this scale possible,” said Lindsay Hamrick, shelter outreach and engagement director for the HSUS.

"It’s unimaginable what these poor dogs have gone through," said Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director of SPCA Westchester, "and we’re honored the SPCA was asked to assist in giving these deserving, brave beagles a second chance."

Bonanno-Spence was with the rescue team that drove from Briarcliff Manor to Cumberland, Virginia last week.

"When we arrived at Envigo Laboratory we were allowed on the property but not past the gates and were being watched by multiple security cameras," the SPCA's Director of Development told Patch.

She described the area as very isolated, with no signs.

"We could hear some of the beagles barking in the distance while at the gate waiting, but couldn’t see them, which was a bit eerie," Bonanno-Spence said.

After about two hours, they were greeted by U.S. Marshals, who escorted their van onto the grounds — with staff from the Human Society driving.

"You’d never guess that thousands of beagles were being warehoused so close by," she said. "We were quite anxious waiting for our van to come out — and so relieved when it did, knowing that these poor beagles were now one step closer to freedom."

She said the Westchester rescuers said "hi" to each dog quickly, to reassure them they were safe, and then got back on the road. Watch:

At the SPCA they are getting tons of TLC and proper veterinary care, she said.

"We’ll be placing them into foster and forever homes shortly and encourage anyone interested to email [email protected]," Laukhuf said.