Please join us today in asking Dow AgroSciences to work with the Humane Society of the United States on the release of 36 beagles who were undergoing testing at a Michigan lab, so we can help place them into a reputable shelter where they will have a chance to find loving homes.
Since Dow AgroSciences (now known as Corteva Agriscience) announced they would stop testing pesticides on the beagles earlier this month, following an HSUS undercover investigation at the Charles River Laboratory in Michigan, we have been in talks with the company about the dogs’ future. We were alarmed last week when they told us they planned to work with the National Animal Interest Alliance, a group linked to organizations that profit off animal suffering, to place the dogs. NAIA was not created to home animals but to instead fight the work of animal protection groups. After we shared our concerns, Corteva yesterday informed us they had chosen not to work with NAIA.
We applaud this decision and now urge Corteva to commit to working with us to ensure the dogs are placed in safe hands.
These dogs started their lives at a breeding facility – Marshall BioResources, which has more than 22,000 dogs on site at a time – after which they went directly to the Charles River lab. Getting them into homes will take time as well as an understanding of – and expertise to address -- the dogs’ behavioral and physical health.
The HSUS has 350 shelter partners throughout the country that have the experience, know-how and a proven track record in rehoming animals, and we are ready and willing to work with Corteva to find the best partner to place these 36 dogs as soon as possible. For instance, one of our shelter partners, the Michigan Humane Society, has all of the expertise needed to address these dogs’ issues in-house. It has three locations, 22 full-time veterinarians and contracts with an additional six veterinarians, including skilled surgeons for orthopedics and a veterinarian whose primary focus is behavioral health.
Upon arrival at an appropriate shelter, each dog would get a full veterinary and behavioral assessment. Staff would work to ready the dogs for adoption, provide much-needed behavioral enrichments, and ensure that adopters and fosters get the support they need.
When we first released our investigation, more than 300,000 of you wrote to demand an end to testing on these 36 beagles, and your voice made all the difference for these dogs. They need your help again. Please call Corteva at 989-394-3783. Ask them to work with the HSUS and one of our shelter partners to give the beagles a new lease on life.