WASHINGTON — Now-famous beagles rescued from a breeding and research facility in Virginia were on Capitol Hill on Thursday as an animal welfare group and a California congressman pushed for legislation that would promote adoption of research animals. The beagles came from a controversial Envigo medical dog-breeding facility in Cumberland County that shut down under pressure from federal regulators because of a string of animal welfare violations, the Virginia Mercury has reported. On Thursday, several of the beagles were at the Capitol to get petted and shown off at a “meet and greet” and to help make a point about animal research. Monica Engebretson, North America campaign manager for Cruelty Free International, said 15 states require animal research facilities to offer dogs and cats they no longer want for adoption. “Until that time, animal models will remain integral for NIH-supported research.”The NIH also has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.

Source: The Times September 24, 2022 00:44 UTC