Up for adoption after being released from a testing laboratory

In what is being termed one of the biggest number of animals released from a testing laboratory, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) is putting up as many as 156 Beagles for adoption. The dogs, all in the age group of two to five years, were released by a Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical testing laboratory.

The same laboratory had, in February, released 64 Beagles, of which some had been used for testing. In the present batch, none have been used for testing, but some of them have been used for breeding. “Back in 2012, the same company is said to have released 102 Beagles for re-homing,” said Sandhya Madappa, trustee, CUPA. The frequent releases are being touted as the result of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals tightening the noose around testing laboratories.

“Though monkeys, rabbits and rats are known to be used for testing, Beagles have for long been used for this purpose the world over as they are docile creatures,” said Ms. Madappa.

The 156 dogs are being put up for adoption in batches, after they are sterilised, bathed, vaccinated and acclimatised. “These dogs have spent a long time in air-conditioned cages, with very little human contact. They are yet to get used to ambient noise, traffic, trees, grass and human affection. It takes time, patience and effort on the part of those who are adopting them,” she explained.

In addition, these Beagles, known to be native to the United Kingdom, have not been toilet trained. Bred extensively in China for import, the mild-natured dogs are said to cost over Rs. 20,000 each if they are purchased.

Though CUPA is putting them up for adoption for free, interested parties will have to apply online and go through a stringent screening process before the dogs are handed over. CUPA has already received close to 1,500 applications for the 156 Beagles.

Visithttp://tiny.cc/156freaglesto apply.