For more than 15 years, while rescuing thousands of beagles, Beagle Freedom Project has been asking the same question: How can we end the testing that puts these dogs in laboratories in the first place? Every rescue gives animals a chance to experience love, comfort, and freedom. But our mission also means working toward a future where no animal has to endure a life of experimentation.

Beagles are still used in laboratory testing, including studies intended to identify the potential harmful effects of drugs and other substances. These tests can involve repeated dosing, invasive procedures, and confinement. For us, these dogs are individuals with personalities, needs, and the capacity to feel pain and fear. They deserve to be protected.

Today, advances in science are creating opportunities to move beyond animal testing. New Approach Methodologies, or NAMs (also commonly referred to as non-animal methods or new alternative methods), include tools such as human cell models, organs-on-chips that mimic aspects of how human organs function, and computer models that help predict how a substance may affect the body. These approaches can help researchers answer specific safety questions while reducing—and, in some cases, replacing—the use of animals.

NAMs cannot yet replace every animal test, but their continued development, validation, and adoption offer a path toward sparing beagles and other animals from experimentation. That is why BFP’s work extends beyond rescue to advocacy, education, and legislative change. We want every beagle to have a home, and a future where none are bred for a testing laboratory.

How can NAMs help end animal testing?

NAMs use data relevant to human biology to help predict how substances and treatments affect people. In veterinary medicine, these methods can also help predict how animals will respond. NAMs support the Three Rs by helping researchers reduce the number of animals used, refine procedures to minimize suffering, and replace animal tests with non-animal methods. The FDA and NIH have supported these principles for years, but we’re still waiting for non-animal methods to replace animal testing on a wider scale.

For BFP, replacement is the ultimate goal. Scientific advances have already made it possible to replace some animal tests. To build on that progress, we need more funding to develop and validate non-animal models, updated FDA regulations that support their use, and wider adoption across animal testing. Scientific progress must lead to lasting change for animals.

This is where we come in…

• With all of this new science, AI, and amazing alternatives, WHY are animals still being used?
• Why aren’t laws also being passed alongside new science to make animal testing a thing of the past?
• While we are seeing progress happening, why isn’t it happening fast enough?

We know the answer.

While huge advancements have been made, scientists remain concerned that no single model can fully replicate an entire living body. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies need to submit data on their NAMs to the FDA. Without sufficient data, the FDA has less evidence to evaluate these alternatives and support changes to its requirements. Furthermore, a lack of clear guidance and coordination within the FDA can make the path forward more difficult.

How do we fix this and make immediate changes?

FUND BETTER SCIENCE ALONGSIDE OUR LEGISLATION

This is our pathway and we are already doing it; we just need more help!

We have partnered with scientists who have created a universal database that any pharmaceutical company can access and use to assess whether certain compounds may be toxic before they are tested on animals, potentially saving countless lives—particularly beagle lives.

This work can help provide the FDA with the data it needs to confidently evaluate and accept NAMs for specific uses. And when we present legislation to cut funding for animal testing, we can point to an expanding foundation of science to support moving forward safely without animals. Through our work, we are helping ensure those alternatives are ready to use.

We just need YOU to help us fund a cruelty-free future.

Watch our video to learn more, then donate to help save lives and END animal testing!