Humane Animal Partners placed 12 beagles into loving homes last year; see how they’re doing one year later.
WILMINGTON, DE, July 26, 2023 – Nearly one year ago, Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA), a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach, welcomed 12 beagles from the group of 4,000 beagles removed from Envigo, a breeding and research facility in Cumberland, Virginia.
This transfer came following a lawsuit filed against Envigo by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2022, alleging Animal Welfare Act violations at the facility. Repeated federal inspections resulted in dozens of citations, including inadequate veterinary care, insufficient food, unsanitary living conditions, and even dogs being “euthanized” without anesthesia.
In conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Delaware animal welfare centers, including Humane Animal Partners (HAP), Faithful Friends Animal Society, and First State Animal Center, worked together to ensure the safe arrival of nearly 40 of the beagles removed from the breeding facility.
Several adopters from HAP are pleased to share how far their pets have come, despite difficult beginnings:
“We had been following the story about the 4,000 beagles and knew we had to rescue one,” Winston’s adopter, Danielle, told us. “We had so much love to give and already had a beagle mix who needed a sibling. When we met Snoopy, the letters CNDCGF tattooed inside his ear, it was love at first sight! We were patient with our new pup, whom we renamed Winston, as he adjusted to his new life outside a cage. Caring for him and watching him grow up has been a joy! Our Winston has taught us all about patience, gratitude, and the true meaning of unconditional love. “
“Butters was only 4 months old when we brought him home from HAP, and, despite getting into anything and everything he could, he is a complete joy,” said Sean, who adopted a rescue beagle named Butters. “His favorite hobbies are wrestling, playing ball, watching dog walkers from our front window, and snuggling in blankets. Butters is a constant source of entertainment and laughter. Our lives have definitely changed for the better.”
“Sunshine and Ginsburg, are so sweet, loving, and thankful for their own bed to sleep in, toys to play with, and first-time zoomies, the first day they were here at home,” George and Pam, Sunshine and Ginsburg’s adopters told us. “They made us realize that ‘Regardless of the past, love, learn and believe in good people and the warmth of people who love us unconditionally.”
“Ten years ago, we adopted a beagle from HAP who was one of the best things that ever happened to us. Hearing the story of what had happened to the Envigo beagles, we knew we needed to adopt another,” said Finn’s adopter, Megan. “Finn’s charm and personality keep life entertaining. We can’t remember life before him! Finn brings us such joy every day.”
While Delaware is one of just three states in the country (the others are New Hampshire and Vermont) designated as a “no-kill” state, HAP regularly transports animals that would otherwise be at risk of euthanasia or abuse, especially from states across the southern United States. Many of these states do not have the necessary facilities or financial support to ensure animals are kept safe, making rescue organizations like HAP a vital resource for housing, supportive medical care, and adoption services.
In addition to marking one year since the Envigo beagles were placed into loving homes, 2023 also commemorates the 150th anniversary of Humane Animal Partners (our history dates back to 1873, the year that Delaware SPCA was founded.) On Thursday, November 16, Humane Animal Partners will host a 150th Anniversary Gala at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished for the people and animals of Delaware. Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, and their dogs, Billie and Orrie, will serve as Honorary Chairs of the event, and Delaware Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will serve as Vice Honorary Chairs.Confirmed sponsors of HAP’s 150th Anniversary Gala include Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Tuttleman Foundation, M&T Bank, VCA Animal Hospitals, Windcrest Animal Hospital, Middletown Veterinary Hospital, Bings Bakery, Affinity Veterinary Center of Malvern, Wilmington Animal Hospital, Limestone Veterinary Hospital, New London Veterinary Center, Longwood Veterinary Center, IDEXX, Senator Jack Walsh, Kim Williams State Representative 19th District, KT&D Insurance, and Newport One. For more information and sponsorship details, visit www.humaneanimalpartners.org/events/150th-anniversary-gala. Ticket sales will become available in August.
