A Manitoba charity is looking to give animal testing a second chance

About 10,000 dogs are used for testing across Canada each year, but the number of puppies like Atlee is increasing thanks to the Beagle Alliance, a Manitoba-based group that advocates for freeing dogs from testing facilities. life off the grid, as they deserve.

“Most people in Canada don't know that animal testing is done in this country,” said Laurie Cohen, executive director of the Beagle Alliance.

“He was from a very depressed background, he seems very cold now, but he has a wonderful mother and family.”

Cohen's journey begins in 2022, when he discovers that beagles are the most popular dog among test subjects because they make great pets.

“They can be forgiving, submissive, and they don't resist, so they're used in trials.”

Since that day, the Beagle Alliance has rescued 50 dogs from this fate, working with rescue partners south of the border to give them a second chance and a loving home, like 4-year-old Atlee.

Brady Cudmore-Mann, Atlee's adoptive mother, said: “What's sweet, what's in the toy bin, what's snug in a comfy bed, it's all foreign to him.”

Cudmore-Mann is one of many families to welcome one of the Beagle Alliance rescues into their home, and says it's amazing to see Atlee's transformation when she knows she's found her forever home.

About 10,000 dogs are used for testing in Canada each year, but thanks to the folks at the Beagle Alliance, a Manitoba-based charity that advocates freeing dogs from testing facilities. (Photo credit: Kurt Black, CityNews)

“Thanks to the Beagle Alliance for all their work on the ground because without them this little guy wouldn't be possible,” said Cudmore-Mann.

According to the Canadian Council on Animal Care, most dogs tested in Canada are euthanized after research because they are not required by law to release animals after being used in science — something Cohen hopes will change going forward.

“What we're asking is to work with the facilities and work with CCAC to place eligible dogs into homes, and with the dogs we've placed, we've seen them live more years outside of cages than inside.”

For those interested in getting involved, the Beagle Alliance is hosting a fundraiser on June 6 at Nicolino's Restaurant in Winnipeg. You can visit the Beagle Alliance website for more information.