Beagles Bred & Sold For Experimentation.
In 2015, a breeding establishment in East Yorkshire was granted planning approval to enlarge their facility to enable the breeding of up to 2000 Beagles per year to be used solely in animal experimentation and research.
This approval was controversial in that previous applications and appeals had been turned down both by the East Riding Council and the previous Secretary of State.
In Vitro Experimentation More Reliable Than Animal Use
When the first application was made for planning approval in 2011, it highlighted the abhorrent practice of experimenting on Beagles, particularly to the general public who appeared to be under the impression that these procedures had ceased. The Trustees of the Beagle Welfare Scheme identified a need to raise awareness of the issue of using animals and in particular Beagles for experimentation.
Our case is strengthened by substantive scientific evidence, from respected global experts, that more reliable results can be achieved by testing in vitro within a controlled laboratory environment – without using animals.
Launch of Run Free Alliance
The then National Secretary of Beagle Welfare, Christine Wynne, decided, with the approval of the Trustees of Beagle Welfare, to launch a nationwide campaign named RUN FREE, which was soon after also supported by The Beagle Association, The Beagle Club, The Welsh Beagle Club, The Northern & Midland Counties Beagle Club and the Devon, Cornwall and South West Beagle Society.
During this period an e-petition (which subsequently gained 143,000 signatures) was launched to present to HM Government, urging them to abolish the breeding and use of Beagles for animal experimentation.
In September 2013, due to the resignation of the National Secretary of the Beagle Welfare Scheme, who was the Trustee who initiated and administered the campaign, the remaining Trustees requested that she took over this programme under a new independent regime with the full approval and support of the Beagle Welfare Scheme.
Hence the RUN FREE ALLIANCE was established.
