August 9 – 14, 2022 – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has asked long-time partner RedRover to return and assist in the continued monumental effort to remove ~4,000 beagles from the Envigo facility in Virginia, where they were bred to be sold to laboratories for animal experimentation. The dogs will be transferred to HSUS’ rescue and shelter partners on their journey to finding homes. Envigo agreed to close the facility following a lawsuit filed against them by the Department of Justice in May, alleging Animal Welfare Act violations at the facility such as nursing mothers being denied food, receiving contaminated food, and dogs being killed instead of receiving veterinary treatment for easily treated conditions.
A RedRover Team Leader and 10 RedRover Responders trained volunteers are on the ground helping the HSUS provide care to another ~233 beagles at their care and rehabilitation center as the dogs await transport to shelter and rescue partners.
“This is a historic moment in animal protection as a massive network of animal protection organizations come together to give roughly 4,000 beagles a new beginning,” said Katie DeMent, senior manager of animal care for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to RedRover for joining us in providing much-needed TLC and care to these dogs as part of their journey to find the loving homes they deserve.”
With more than 4,600 trained volunteers in the United States and Canada, RedRover can deploy its volunteers quickly when communities become overburdened by a crisis involving a high number of animals. The volunteers provide a skilled and compassionate workforce which enables a jurisdiction to address local cases of animal cruelty and neglect.
“We are honored that the Humane Society of the United States has asked us to return to help care for more beagles who have likely never lived outside of confined cages,” said RedRover Field Services and Community Programs Manager, Devon Krusko. “Knowing that they’ll finally get the lives they deserve where they can feel grass under their paws for the first time, enjoy freedom to be playful, and be loved just fills my heart.”
In its 35-year history, RedRover has responded to more than 246 natural disasters and other crises around the country including Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, the recent Northern California wildfires, Superstorm Sandy, 9/11, Northridge earthquake, and many more.
To donate to RedRover’s Emergency Response Fund, visit RedRover.org /beagles. To learn how to become a RedRover Responders volunteer, visit: redrover.org/volunteer.
###
About RedRover
Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and humane education. RedRover is a founding member of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC), established after Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact to more people and animals than any other storm in the history of the United States. RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.
Contact: Sheri Madsen
916.600.8157