Pups saved from squalid Virginia facility find shelter in Garden State
Once destined for life in research labs, five beagles rescued from appalling conditions in Virginia are now living the good life in the Garden State while waiting for their forever homes.
The pups were among thousands removed from a breeding facility shuttered in June for its inhumane conditions.
Nickolai, Courage, Esteban, Oscar and Eros — all five months old — were taken in at the Monmouth County SPCA, NJ Advance media reported.
“Their existence was pretty horrific in that facility,” Barbara Lovell, associate executive director of the organization said. “They have clean bedding for the first time, they have toys now.”
The Department of Justice and the Humane Society of the United States rescued over 4,000 beagles from the Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland after federal inspections found dozens of animal welfare violations.
A transfer plan was put into place after a lawsuit was filed against Envigo by the DOJ in May.
The horrific findings included unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment and deprivation of adequate veterinary care, officials said.
The NJ shelter, located in Eatontown, said it has already fielded over 1,000 calls inquiring about adopting the five pooches.
