Dogs are loving, protective, and loyal animals. They give us their unconditional love and remain by our side no matter what happens. However, some people take advantage of the goodness of these pets to use them in laboratory tests. Something that, although it seems irrational, continues to happen in some countries where this practice is legal.
The animal protection organization, Humane Society, is fighting to rescue 36 beagles that are being used as laboratory animals in the state of Michigan (United States). After an undercover investigation, the organization found that the dogs were being force-fed with pesticides and that they were in poor health. The animalist group published on March 12 the result of the investigation carried out in the laboratories.
After spending almost a hundred days infiltrating the facilities, they recorded numerous experiments that were carried out with the dogs. “Our researcher has documented cowering and fearful dogs in their cages, with surgical scars and implants,” says the Humane Society, who further alleges that more than 60,000 dogs are used in toxicity tests each year in the country.
The organization also argues that these dogs were chosen because of their gentle and peaceful nature , as they are easier to handle and less apt to defend themselves. Beagles are used for pesticide tests for one year in order to develop an agricultural product. “Many of these animals become ill for long periods or suffer due to lack of anesthesia,” says the researcher, who also points out that the dogs receive different doses of the product to test its toxicity.
Although US law requires a 90-day test on dogs to get approval for the new pesticide, the dogs were undergoing a year of experimentation. The company in charge, Dow AgroSciences, claimed that these tests are required by regulators in Brazil, the country where the product will be marketed. “Animal experimentation is not something we do lightly, but it is not something that we can discontinue when required by the authorities,” they said in a statement.
Although the dogs are scheduled to be euthanized in June, the organization is fighting to free them before then. Thus, thousands of people have signed a petition for these beagles to be rescued and to end a practice that threatens pets. They deserve all our solidarity!
