Beagles are often the “preferred species [where large mammals are used for animal testing], because they are so forgiving”, states a lab worker in the video below (Beagle Freedom Project). Even with their forgiving nature, however, these victims are devocalized so as not to hassle the lab workers. But I digress…

The household cleaning product and janitorial supplies industry are generally lumped together with the cosmetics industry when issues of chemicals and animal testing are considered. Sounds strange; but it’s true. Perhaps this is because many of the same chemicals are used in all three, or that the same laboratories conduct tests for a wide range of companies. Either way, here are a few facts:

• More than 100 million animals are poisoned, burned, crippled, and abused in other ways in U.S. labs each year. Animals are sourced from breeding facilities, animal shelters and are stray/feral animals.
• No experiment is illegal, no matter how cruel, irrelevant to human health, redundant, or painful. In fact, you can still be sold cosmetic products that have blinded rabbits (Draize eye irritancy test is often conducted on rabbits; repeatedly and without anesthetic).
• Ninety five percent of animals used for experiments are excluded from the only federal law offering any sort of protection. The Animal Welfare Act specifically excludes rats, mice and birds from protection.
• The law doesn’t require valid alternatives to animal tests be used. There are a growing number of alternatives being developed, and a growing number of companies and institutions utilizing them. Cruelty Free.
• Ninety two percent of experimental drugs that are safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials because they don’t work or are dangerous. For example, arsenic is contained in drugs fed to pigs and chickens in the factory farming industry to promote growth, and deter infections. Eat up.

There are so many disturbing facts when it comes to animal testing, that when I come across stories like this one I must share it. Too often animals are not rescued. They live and die in laboratories that reduce them to a number and a scientific conclusion. This is not the case, however, for these beagles.

Sound Earth is proudly a cruelty-free company.