US

Freedom: See Rescued Lab Beagles Step Out of Their Cages For the First Time

They will finally feel the grass on their paws.

After years living in cages, Forty male beagles raised inside a lab in Spain arrived in Los Angeles and were put up for adoption thanks to the Beagle Freedom Project.

The original rescue mission in Spain was conducted by Animal Rescue Media Education (ARME). ARME scooped up 72 dogs this time around, and 32 of them were promptly adopted in Europe, according to NBC Los Angeles.

The Beagles, ranging in age between 4 and 7, had spent their entire lives in cages. ARME’s Beagle Freedom Project spokesman Gary Smith said of the newly liberated canines:

“We’ve been told they lived one per cage in rooms of 10 beagles, but they never had any physical interaction with one another. They’ve been in kennels since they were rescued about a week ago, but aside from that, they’ve spent most of their lives locked up.”

For the Dog lovers out there, here is a clip of the Beagles’ first tastes of freedom, via KNBC-TV:

And here is a longer video clip of the dogs getting a second chance at life, courtesy of Beagle Freedom Project:

(H/T HuffPo)

Comments (127)

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  • blackstone22
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Thanks to The Blaze for reporting on this heart warming story.
    It is incomprehensible how cruel people can be to dogs.
    This story has a happy ending, but unfortunately so many others do not.

    Report Post »  
    • wtfhappend
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:38pm

      I am with you 100 percent on that. Anyone that thinks animals dont feel the spectrum of emotions is sadly mistaken.

      Report Post » wtfhappend  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:53pm

      DOGS FLAT OUT RULE!!! THIS was precious!! THANK YOU SO MUCH BLAZE!!! My newest dog finally experienced “RAIN”… it was so cute!! She came running in looking up at me and trying to get me to follow her outside to see this “new experience”. I adore them!!! Thanks to these people who help these gifts from GOD. Wonderful !!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 9:17pm

      What a sweet story. As always I had to shed a tear for these darling little animals who never had a life.
      Dogs are so so forgiving and I loved seeing them learn how to accept their freedom. Just too sweet.

      Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 11:42pm

      I agree with you. The over population of dogs and cats is a man made problem. The insensitivity that some people show these poor animals breaks my heart. I cried when I looked at their little eyes. There are other videos as well after this. I emailed and sent some friends on FB these videos. The punishment has to be harsh on people who are responsinle for animal abuse. I was happy for the little beagles and wonder about the millions of other animals who have to endure torture at the hands of their owners.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:24am

      Loved the story and really feel for the K-9′s. But, the article says, “The Beagles, ranging in age between 4 and 7, had spent their entire lives in cages”. Yet, at the end of the film every dog was listed as being born in 2009. The math just doesn’t add up. I can see that these dogs had trouble “walking” for the first time but their bodies showed no atrophy. Something’s wrong with this story. I’m really glad that they are free and have been adopted but, I smell a lie in this story. And yes, I did tear up as they stepped out of their cages. But the math and physiology doesn’t make any sense. Any thoughts?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 1:33am

      One more thing. The first clip shows the dogs being set out on the lawn at night and not let out of the cages. The second clip shows them being put out on the lawn during the day and then being let out of the cages. Why the two videos at two different locations? The first video has a white fence in the background, the second video does not. Something is wrong and I don’t know what it is. I’m just glad “if” this is really a true story.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • tersky
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:35am

      @ The-Monk~

      I think we have at least two, maybe three different beagle rescue stories here. I don’t think the clips are the Spanish beagles because they said there were only six of them. My guess is that these clips were just the best clips from the rescue organization.

      Report Post »  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 12:20pm

      the-monk… Caught that too, but maybe they were testing inter-dimensional time warps at Cern!

      Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • dirtydog1776
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

    God will judge you on how you treated women, children and animals.

    Report Post » dirtydog1776  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:49pm

      we will be judged on how we treat those most vulnerable that is for certain

      Report Post »  
    • SavvyCowboy
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:19am

      We have 2 rescue horses, 5 rescue dogs and 6 rescue “barn” cats on our ranch. Tomorrow we have to say “good-bye” to our 12 1/2 year old Golden Retriever; he has grown very weak over the past few days and we need to take him to our vet and have him put down. Tomorrow will be a difficult day but we know in our heart our Golden Retriever has had a great life; he was never on a leashed, chased horses and cows, went bird hunting, camping, horseback riding, and ate hot buns at bonfires. Yes he had a blast for 12 1/2 years. We hate to see animals mistreated (we see it every day when we drive through the indian reservation we live next to), we know we are doing our part by taking in “throw aways” and giving them a home. We hope all of you have the ability to do your part too; and if you come across anyone abusing an animal, send them to me – we have thousands of wild and hungry coyotes who’ll eat anything. :)

      Report Post » SavvyCowboy  
    • hcartexas
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:26pm

      And how will God judge you? Be careful when you make statements that speak for God……

      Report Post » hcartexas  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:05pm

    I think testing on dogs is barbaric. Dogs are affectionate, with human-like personalities, and are very trusting of humans. Even ones who abuse them. I think it’s horrible to abuse that trust, even to an animal. It’s good to see these cute little doggies getting a chance at a happy life.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:18pm

      @ Buck Sexton, Thanks so much for this nice story. Good news is gettin’ a bit scarce, these days.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
  • GENE BLISTER
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:56pm

    I’m a crusty, cynical, 57 year old curmudgeon sitting here blubbering, watching these bewildered, confused and yet overjoyed prisoners’ first taste of life beyond their cells. The eyes…I can hardly bear to look into their eyes. The prisoners at Buchenwald and Auschwitz had the same look in their eyes when they were liberated; the same hesitancy at the opened gates.

    As the top of the food chain, we humans have such power, such control over our world and the innocent life over which we’ve been given dominion. And we often show it such contempt, such sheer disdain. I’m not saying animal research, for example, isn‘t necessary or hasn’t benefited mankind tremendously. Insulin’s discovery, and the saving of many thousands of diabetics since the 20s, came directly from research with dogs, as well as rabbits. Just wish we could be a little more humble and grateful to these little lives for the tremendous sacrifices they offer for our good.

    ‘Scuse me…I’ve gotta go blow my nose. And give my cats some treats.

    Report Post » GENE BLISTER  
  • PoliticalJunkieToo
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:48pm

    I do not believe in using animals to study drugs etc. Use them on the actual people who need them.

    Every year when the idiots at my military base start asking everyone to donate to the March of Dimes, I wear my March of Crime t-shirt around base because the March of Dimes experiments on dogs, cats and anything else. Screw them.

    Report Post »  
  • EyebrowsLaMana
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:47pm

    Awww, they are so sweet, I’m more of a cat person and I wanted to love all over every one of them!

    Report Post » EyebrowsLaMana  
  • HammerheadSSN663
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:35pm

    animal testing on dogs is ridiculous. given the state of humankind, animals should be conducting lab experiments on US.

    Report Post »  
  • flatbroke
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:23pm

    Love it!! freedom and grass, trees, cats, other dogs, and love from there owners, awesome clip!

    Report Post » flatbroke  
  • chump
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:12pm

    The best thing to do is switch your dog or cat from a grain ( corn or wheat ) based food to any grain free option. It brought back my dogs hearing and sight partially.

    Report Post »  
  • missmollywog
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:12pm

    I think this is ridiculous….we euthanize millions and cats and dogs here a year….do we really need to start importing animals from other countries???

    Report Post »  
  • missmollywog
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:10pm

    This is ridiculous….we euthanize millions of dog and cats here every year…mostly due to them not being adopted….do we really need to start taking in animals from abroad?…makes no sense to me at all…

    Report Post »  
    • Mimi24
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

      I bet you enjoy telling little kids that there’s no Santa.

      Report Post »  
    • TechDel
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:41pm

      Can you really watch this and not feel moved? Dogs have a trust and love for humans unlike any other animal, and people who abuse that should be arrested. No I do not support PETA, but I do support humanity. Anyone who cannot feel sadness for magnificent animals such as these being abused has a cold heart.

      Spay & Neuter Liberals

      Report Post » TechDel  
    • teddyc73
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:13am

      You’re definitely in the minority here MissMolly. Most people see the wonderful joyous side of this video. Yes, we do have an pet overpopulation epidemic in this country, we all know that, but cant we at least enjoy the fact that these particular dogs were rescued and adopted?

      Report Post »  
  • CanteenBoy
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:07pm

    After their entire lives in cages with ZERO human love, all they wanted – STILL – was LOVE.

    Most humans aren‘t worthy of a dog and don’t deserve one.

    Dogs Rule!

    Report Post » CanteenBoy  
    • LeadNotFollow
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:10pm

      I totally agree!!!

      Report Post »  
    • TechDel
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 8:15pm

      Most humans don’t have a clue when it comes to relationships with pets. That is why we have to kill so many every year. Here’s the deal: Oh, that’s a cute puppy. Let’s get it. Oh, it peed on the floor. Hit it a few times. That will teach it. Get it out of here and tie it to a tree. I’ll train it: C’mere, Gdammit sit down, get over here you stinkin mutt. Darn dog is stupid – take it to the shelter. 14 days later, kill it. Thank you a**hole owners. You don’t deserve a dog let alone the freedom to breed yourselves.

      Spay & Neuter Liberals

      Report Post » TechDel  
    • tersky
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:44am

      I foster a lot of dogs pulled from a rural shelter. Almost all of the dogs in this shelter, and I assume most others, are between four months and a year old, usually about 6 or 7 months. Yep, people get a cute little puppy, not realizing how much work they are, how much they ‘explore’ with their teeth, how long potty training can take if you aren’t consistent with them… So by six or seven months, when the puppy-cuteness has worn off and the puppy behavior is still going strong, they give up and dump them at the shelter. What’s really annoying is that by that point, you’ve been through the worst of it. Anyway, if a family isn’t prepared to deal with puppy behavior for a year, then they need to go to the shelter and get a DOG.

      Report Post »  
  • Diane28
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:57pm

    What is there to say except Thank God for the release of these innocent animals. I couldn’t get through the clip without crying my eyes out!

    Report Post »  
  • SHOOTnCRASH
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:52pm

    Holy friggin crap that was awesome.

    Report Post » SHOOTnCRASH  
  • IslandMama
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:51pm

    While I commend the organization for helping rescue these dogs, I have to say their Web site is pathetic. There are no photos of the dogs available for adoption. There is a $300 adoption fee per dog – and these aren’t puppies – they are at the midpoint in their lives so this is quite a fee. The process is harder than adopting a child (almost). And they ask for sponsors to donate $2500 to support a dog. This is a ridiculous way to find loving homes for these dogs.

    Report Post »  
    • LeadNotFollow
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:08pm

      Thanks for the info.

      Report Post »  
    • tersky
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 9:55am

      I foster a lot of dogs. $300 is not unreasonable. If you adopt directly from a shelter,or worse, from Craigslist or the paper, there is a good chance the dog will have heartworm and/or other medical issues. Heartworm treatment alone for a dog can be well over $500. A lot of puppies, sometimes whole litters, have parvo. When you adopt from a rescue, all that expensive vetting is already done. If they’ve been in a foster home, they probably got a lot of training there, including housebreaking. My carpet has suffered tremendously from the three dogs I had to housebreak this year. Their adopters saved a whole lot of money at the expense of my carpet.

      BTW, the adoption fee on the dogs I foster for Critter Cavalry Rescue is between $250-$500 depending on how much goes to transport; and that rescue organization is run by pure volunteers who take nothing into their own pockets. They never have enough funds.

      People who think these dogs should be free or cheap just do not understand what goes into getting them rescued and ready for adoption. If you get a dog off Craigslist or directly from some shelters, you may end up putting thousands of dollars into it to keep it from dying on you. Some of the better shelters do test for heartworm and other diseases and then put the sick dogs down immediately. Rescue organizations do their best to save them all, and that’s very expensive.

      Report Post »  
  • MrHoggLegg
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:48pm

    My wife and I have 3 dogs and 4 cats ✡ I like to jokingly tell people the only kind of animals we have are Labs ✡ People seem to think I‘m talking about Labradors until I explain that no that I’m talking about they might have been in a Research Lab somewhere if we had not adopted them first ✡ We have a female chihuahua that was rescued from a puppy mill ✡ When we received her she had just delivered a litter ✡ A week later the wife was visiting kinfolk and rescued a newborn kitten that was still nursing ✡ As soon as the wife brought the kitten in our chihuahua took over the motherly duties and raised the kitten (including nursing the kitten)! ✡ That was 2 years ago now and the chihuahua and cat still have their Mother/Son relationship ✡ And if one of the other dogs curls a lip at the cat ✡ MaMa in No Certain Terms tells the dogs ✡ ‘No one disciplines my Younger but Me!’

    Report Post » MrHoggLegg  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:46pm

    Awwwwww…… I want another canine addition to our growing family now! Aren’t they adorable??

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • tersky
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:29am

      I’m fostering a lab mix youngster, a bit smaller than a lab, ____freakishly smart___, probably under a year old, housebroken, calm-natured but easily depressed, glossy black shiny-like-a-racehorse, crate trained, needs to be a home with at least one other dog, responds immediately to verbal reprimands… needs a home. I rescued him from the shelter an hour after he was supposed to be put down (had gone for another dog someone else had pulled, and the animal control officers had been his name is Dodge.

      Report Post »  
    • tersky
      Posted on November 30, 2011 at 10:42am

      oops. Meant to say, “animal control officers had been on a call and weren’t there to take him to the vet for that final appointment.) His name is Dodge.”

      Report Post »  
  • Eric Von Zipper
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:44pm

    My friends… A hearty thanks to the folks at THE BLAZE… Great Story!… Well Done!… now somebody hand me a damn tissue!… oh, it’s just allergies!… yeah, that’s the ticket…

    Report Post » Eric Von Zipper  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:47pm

      No, I think the screen just got a little blurry all of a sudden. Don’t feel bad – mine did, too. ;)

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • LeadNotFollow
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 6:06pm

      I could have done without the “hippy” music on the video, but I too must admit, I had to run grab a tissue to wipe my eyes, oops I meant my screen.

      Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:37pm

    I love this story, but who’s going to rescue American dogs? Every year, thousands of dogs (and cats) are killed at animal shelters across America. We have lab animals here too, that could use rescuing. Do we really need to go out of the country to rescue animals, then bring them here to adopt out? We have a pet overpopulation. There are plenty of great animals at our local shelters, that really need a home.

    Please adopt a shelter pet for Christmas. The fee to adopt usually includes the vaccines, spay/neuter, and Vet visit. A shelter pet is a bargain. Consider an adult animal. They make great pets. The best pets I’ve ever had, were shelter pets. I’ve always wondered why their owners gave them up.

    Report Post »  
    • DaveOregon
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:17pm

      Totally agree on adopting a shelter pet – we’ve had two and they were great dogs! As for rescueing from another country – hey, whatever it takes – friggin send the Seals to resuce them and I’d happily pay my share of the debt! I truly beleive dogs are angles on earth. No other animal is as loyal, loving, forgiving, and trusting. Beat 99% of the humans I know.

      Report Post »  
    • Via Dolorosa
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 10:49pm

      Beg to differ – dogs nor cats should be obtained as a “gift” for people on a whim – those are the animals
      that end up being dumped off at the local animal control shelter.

      i.e. didn’t want in the first place, the newness has worn off, wanted another “brand” (breed), no place to keep the “puppy gift”, can’t have pet where I live, dog doesn’t like my kids, and on and on and on.

      Report Post » Via Dolorosa  
  • Countrygirl1362
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:28pm

    Thank you for this wonderful story. Thank you to the rescue for helping these Beagles find freedom.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on November 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

      I’ve rescued 5. Lost one that was 16 years old, then another due to cancer 2 months ago. I have room, 10 acres, buit $2,500 is way over my head. Three left (2 basset and 1 golden retriever). Hope to fill the 2 spaces soon.

      Report Post »  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:18pm

    Completely warms my heart. I have a 13 year old Lhasa that was almost sold to a puppy farm owner when she was a puppy herself. (talking to the right people and realized who also was on her way to buy her..!) Several years later that puppy farm was raided in California with about 135 dogs in horrible condition. It was the news of the state… I bless every day with her knowing I saved her from that fate. I have 3 fur angels myself and support rescue here in Texas now.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:17pm

    After all that all they want is someone to love and love them back … Dog is God spelled backward.

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:16pm

    Freedom to those who have never known life outside of a form of enslavement.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:14pm

    After all that all they want is someone to love and love them back … Dog spelled backward is God ..

    Report Post »  
  • SmallGovBigGuns
    Posted on November 29, 2011 at 5:05pm

    good for them. gotta love man’s best friends

    Report Post »  
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