From Lab to Rescue: The Battle Against Beagle Testing in the US and India

Meet Aryan Jhamb, a young individual with an unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Through his insightful article, Aryan offers a unique perspective on the intersection of compassion and activism, comparing animal testing practices in India and the US. Aryan’s journey as a TFG Changemaker exemplifies our mission to empower young leaders to drive meaningful change within their communities. With a fervent passion for animal rights, he navigates the complexities of global issues with a keen eye for detail and a compassionate heart. Read his article below.

Animal testing is a controversial and ethically challenging practice that appears to have gained popularity with the development of technology and society as a whole. More products are being created to sustain the ever-growing population of Earth, encouraging the spread of this practice. Dogs, specifically Beagles, are among the many unfortunate animals that have to endure this suffering. According to Kathleen Conlee, “The docile nature of Beagles is what makes them the victim here.”

In this article, we will compare the statistics between the US and India to evaluate the severity of the issue in each country.

According to KPBS (Konza Prairie Biological Station), 60,000 Beagles are bred and raised just in the US for the sole purpose of testing. A case study was carried out on Envigo, a research organization and supplier of laboratory animals that provides live animals for testing purposes. Shockingly, an inspection conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at an Envigo facility revealed deeply concerning statistics. 

A USDA inspection at an Envigo facility revealed:

• Over 300 puppy deaths in seven months (April 2022 – November 2022), potentially higher with unreported cases.
• Appalling living conditions with dogs crammed in undersized spaces, facing sanitation issues, and suffering from untreated injuries or illnesses.

An overburdened veterinarian is responsible for around 5,000 dogs.

Beagles were prominently featured in their operations, with Envigo selling 5000 Beagles in 2020 for testing purposes, leading to distressing living conditions for these unfortunate creatures. 

The Humane Society International is an organization based in the US that is actively trying to achieve the goal of eradicating these activities. Throughout the years, they have carried out several case studies, unveiling the true nature of facilities that deal with the inhumane practices of dog breeding and lab testing. They are actively trying to ban animal testing in the influential beauty markets, where most lab testing occurs. They are trying to enforce strict bans on animal testing in many major countries across the world with the help of other organizations. Considering that they are a nationwide organization, it is safe to say that they have had a significant impact in the US.

The Freagles of India is an organization based in India that is also actively contributing to reaching the goal of eradicating Beagle testing. They take custody of Beagles that have been released from laboratories and help find better homes for them through adoption. They have managed to relocate almost 500 Beagles since 2016, making a significant impact on reducing Beagle testing in India.

While Beagle testing exists in India, the situation differs significantly from that in the US. India grapples with a vast stray dog population, estimated at millions. This, coupled with less developed animal control systems, often leads to negative perceptions and even abuse of dogs due to concerns about public safety.

With animal welfare laws not being as strict in India, dogs are often abused due to this hate. While animal cruelty rates are higher in India, more dogs, specifically Beagles, are used for testing in the US. This is, in fact, ironic since animal cruelty laws are stronger in the US, yet many dogs go through animal testing. This discrepancy can be attributed to several reasons:

• Demand for testing: The US, as a larger and more research-intensive economy, likely requires more product testing, translating to a higher demand for Beagles.
• Regulations: Loopholes and weaker enforcement of animal welfare regulations in the US testing industry might contribute to the higher numbers.
• Alternatives: The development and adoption of alternative testing methods might be lagging in the US compared to India.

While both the US and India face challenges regarding Beagle testing and animal welfare, the nature and extent of the issues differ significantly. The US, despite stricter animal cruelty laws, grapples with a higher volume of Beagle testing due to factors like its economic demands and regulatory shortcomings. Meanwhile, India’s focus on managing its stray dog population and ethical initiatives like The Freagles of India’s work offers alternative approaches that could inspire policy changes and a shift towards more humane practices.

A possible solution to this cruel procedure could be testing isolated cells and tissues. This is a process that involves artificially growing isolated cells in a lab, forming to make an animal’s tissue. We know this technology is possible and has recently been gaining popularity for a different use – lab-grown meat – an alternative to slaughtering animals for their meat and instead growing it in labs. Further research and investing in this solution can help eliminate the need for dogs, and animal testing overall.

In conclusion, while Beagle testing does exist in great numbers in India, it is a much more common practice in the US. While there are several organizations worldwide working towards the common goal of eradicating cruel dog testing, we can do our part by supporting organizations dedicated to this cause and make an effort to invest in only cruel-free products, to hopefully make an impact. 

By taking action, we can collectively work towards a world where no animal suffers in the name of scientific progress.

Sources:

• https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2022/08/12/used-reused-euthanized-dogs-life-animal-research
• https://www.humanesociety.org/blog/meet-charlie-one-roughly-4000-beagles-spared-animal-testing
• https://bfp.org/end-animal-testing/
• https://love.bfp.org/give/353072/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=website-footer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Zg9AoOuqc
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/animalkind/2023/09/21/watch-three-beagles-rescued-from-animal-testing-lab-enjoy-freedom/70918802007/

Join us as we celebrate Aryan’s journey and honor his tireless efforts to bridge borders and foster compassion on a global scale. Together, let’s continue to champion the rights of all living beings and create a brighter future for generations to come.

To start your changemaking journey apply to Global Challenges & Social Justice Summer Program today.