Manitoba charity looking to provide testing animals a second chance

Each year an estimated 10,000 dogs are used for testing across Canada, but thanks to the folks at the Beagle Alliance — a Manitoba based charity that advocates for the release of dogs from testing facilities — more and more pups like Atley here are getting to enjoy a life outside of the cage, just like they deserve.

“Most people in Canada don’t know that animal testing takes place in this country,” said Lori Cohen, an executive director at the Beagle Alliance.

“He was from a group that was pretty traumatized, he seems pretty chill now but that is because he has a great mom and family.”

Cohen’s journey began in 2022, when she discovered beagles were the most popular dog amongst testing facilities, for the very reasons they make great pets.

“They are forgiving, they can be docile, and they don’t fight back that’s why they are used in testing.”

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

“What is a treat, what is a toy bin, what is it to stretch out on a comfy bed, those were all foreign to him,” said Brady Cudmore-Mann, Atley’s adopted mom.

Cudmore-Mann is one of numerous families to welcome one of the Beagle Alliance’s rescues into her home, and says it’s been amazing to watch Atley’s transformation as he discovered he had found his forever home.

“Very thankful to the beagle alliance for all the work they do on the ground, as it wouldn’t be possible for us to have this little guy without them,” said Cudmore-Mann.

According to the Canadian Council on Animal Care, the majority of dogs tested in Canada, are euthanized after study, as they are not bound by law to release the animals after use in science — something Cohen hopes they can change moving forward.

“All we are asking is to work with the facilities and work with the CCAC to place eligible dogs into homes, we’ve seen with the dogs that we’ve placed that they live many more years outside of the cage than inside.”

For those wanting to join the cause, the Beagle Alliance will be holding a fundraiser on June 6th, at Nicolino’s restaurant in Winnipeg. For more information, you can visit the Beagle Alliance website.