Welcome to Hepper’s newest segment, Live From the Litter Box, where each Friday, we will share feline current events, heartwarming stories, breaking mews, or other stories we think you need to know about.
For our first edition, we want to share in the celebration of hundreds of cats and dogs freed from an animal testing laboratory in the USA.
Last year, the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) took over a major animal testing laboratory in Nowata, Oklahoma, where hundreds of cats and dogs were being tested with toxic substances. BFP did what many dream of doing — they closed and took over the property and converted it into Freedom Fields, a 30-acre sanctuary and rehabilitation center for abused animals.
“Freedom Fields was founded on the promise that animal testing survivors would no longer be kept in the dark,” says Shannon Keith, President & Founder of Beagle Freedom Project. “This anniversary celebration is a moment to honor everyone who made this victory possible—our supporters, volunteers, and staff—and to look ahead to the work still to be done.”
A Transformative Milestone
Beagle Freedom Project committed to rescuing cats and dogs used in the toxic flea and tick research lab after an opportunity emerged in Oklahoma just three years ago. They began a series of rescues and mission after mission, they released many animals who had been enduring invasive tests, with every trip ending with a vow to return for those left behind, spending their lives in cramped cages or outside in all elements.
Last Year’s Mission
On February 14, 2024, Beagle Freedom Project officially closed the facility and shut down the entire operation, eliminating a large portion of the toxic flea and tick testing in the USA, freeing more than 250 survivors, and taking custody of them at Freedom Fields. Since then, the property has been transformed into a safe haven where rescued animals receive rehabilitative care, TLC, and the chance to recover from the trauma they endured.
According to their website, Beagle Freedom Project states “This victory underscored our belief that testing on animals is unnecessary, cruel, and something we refuse to let continue. We knew that simply shutting down the facility wasn’t enough—these rescued animals needed a safe haven to begin new lives free from trauma.”
Below is a video that the Beagle Freedom Project shared last year during their monumental mission.
There may be some images that viewers may find unsettling or disturbing. Please be reminded that the animals shown have happy endings thanks to BFP.
It’s Time to Celebrate, But There’s Still More to Do
The first anniversary is a significant milestone and will be celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a brand-new Cat Café hosted by social media influencer Nathan the Cat Lady. They are also celebrating the launch of the “Bring Them Home” campaign in support of 55 recently rescued laboratory-tested Beagles in desperate need of medical care on their way to Freedom Fields.
How You Can Help
- You can sponsor one of the 55 beagles in their medical care and recovery journey, or donate toward their greater goal of $150,000 that will go towards all 55 dogs’ immediate medical needs, and help with transport to their foster care, and ensuring they all find their fur-ever homes. Click here for more information. Any dollar amount helps.
- Adopt one of the wonderful animals from Freedom Fields. Click here for more details.
- Donate to Beagle Freedom Project. Click here to learn more.
- Shop til you drop! The BFP has some adorable merch that’s waiting for you. They make excellent gifts as well. Click here to shop now.
- Know the products you use. Not just cosmetics (which are easy to learn about here), but soaps, medicines, clothing, food, etc. Look for cruelty-free, palm-oil-free, ethically sourced products including ones that explicitly say ‘no animal-testing.’
- Follow BFP on socials to help raise awareness. Facebook and Instagram.
Congratulations, Beagle Freedom Project, and thank you for all of your hard work to end animal testing and your support in ensuring these wonderful survivors find happiness and hope.
