SALEM, MA — Nearly 100 beagles are getting a second chance at a happy life starting this weekend at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem and other MSPCA Adoption Centers across the state after being rescued from a breeding facility where they were used for research.
The MSCPA said that 76 of the beagles arrived in Massachusetts on Thursday with another 20 expected to be brought to the state this weekend.
The MPSCA said that the dogs were living in confined and unsanitary conditions with little to no socialization. Two of the dogs were also pregnant at the time of the rescue and have since given birth — so the group includes 13 newborn puppies that will be adopted out as well.
All 76 beagles already in the state have undergone extensive medical and behavioral checks and some have already been placed in adoptive homes.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most consequential national operations we’ve ever been a part of and our focus is ensuring these dogs will be cherished and loved by new families here,” Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell, said.
Because it is an active case, the MSPCA said it can not offer more details on the conditions and those responsible for them at this time.
Those interested in adopting one of the beagles can place an inquiry here.
Those who would like to make a donation to help defray the travel, veterinary and care costs of the beagles can do so here.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
