The University of Missouri lost a major Sunshine Law case Friday involving records sought by an animal rights group. Circuit Judge Jeff Harris ruled the university violated the law by estimating it would cost more than $82,000 to fulfill the records request. In his ruling, Harris ordered the university to pay a $1,000 fine for a “knowing” violation of the law and the attorneys’ fees for the case filed by the Beagle Freedom Project in May 2016 and tried by Harris in July. “Defendants’ cost estimate was contrary to the…
Category: In The Press
Boone County judge rules against University of Missouri in open records lawsuit
A Boone County judge has sided with an animal rights organization in its lawsuit claiming the University of Missouri charged an excessive price for records about animals used in research. The Beagle Freedom Project sued MU in May 2016 after the university gave an estimate of $82,222 to fulfill a request for records about animals used in research. The request was part of a larger Beagle Freedom Project campaign that included requests to at least a dozen universities, most of which provided the records at little or no cost, according…
Judge rules MU violated Sunshine Law in animal rights group's suit
MU knowingly violated the Missouri Sunshine Law by overestimating the cost of providing records to an animal rights group, a Boone County Judge ruled Friday. After it was told a records request would cost over $82,000, the group Animal Rescue, Media & Education, also known as the Beagle Freedom Project, sued the university and the UM System records custodian, Paula Barrett, in May 2016. The group wanted documents for 179 dogs and cats used in MU research, experiments and testing. “After hearing the evidence, the Court finds that there is…
Dogs rescued from Mexico animal testing facility get new leash on life
VALLEY VILLAGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Several adorable pups made their way across the Mexico border to Valley Village after spending most of their lives in an animal testing facility. Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) was able to secure their release and get them on the road to freedom. They took their first steps of freedom on grass and into the loving arms of those who work each day to make sure they get to live after the testing. “I’m so surprised that they are so sweet considering what’s been done…
Animal test survivors rescued
Several animals that were once subjected to animal testings, now have new homes! Thanks to Beagle Freedom Project. 8 pigs, 6 goats, and even 2 alpacas were saved and taken to Rescue and Outreach Center in Lincolnton, NC. We told you earlier this month that Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out an animal testing by 2025. This is a part of the process. read more
'They are living, breathing creatures': EPA plans to eliminate animal testing
LINCOLNTON, N.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency plans to phase out animal testing by 2025 and completely eliminate it by 2035. The Beagle Freedom Project in Lincolnton has rescued more than 2,500 animals by changing the laws in 11 states and asking companies to give the animals to them after testing is done. Eyewitness News reporter Ken Lemon talked to the vice president of the organization, April Arrington, who said they are enthusiastic about the EPA’s decision. While speaking with Arrington, Lemon also met a dog named Winnie. Channel 9…
BFP interviewed by Marilyn Milano
Today we were honored to speak with April Arrington, VP of Beagle Freedom Project. This is a world wide organization dedicated to the rescue of laboratory animals, and to placing animals in sanctuaries or homes once the research is done. This is an amazing organization doing vital work. Please support them if you are able! Original Article: Marilyn Milano Radio
Hope for Thousands of Beagles Used in Laboratory Experiments
In the United States we still use millions of animals in laboratory experiments. It’s a secretive industry and I think, many people are under the impression that it ended years ago. Not only is it still huge, but we test on just about every type of animal one can imagine, including dogs. 70,000 dogs a year are used in laboratory experiments and a great majority of them are beagles. The heartbreaking reason that beagles are so often the dog of choice is because they’re docile, sweet, trusting, and they don’t…
Trial ends in animal rights group's Sunshine Law suit against university
Animal rights group Beagle Freedom Project made its case this week that the University of Missouri violated the state’s Sunshine Law in a two-day bench trial of the group’s lawsuit against the university. Beagle Freedom Project’s 2016 lawsuit alleges that the university knowingly and purposefully violated the Sunshine Law when it billed the group $82,222.33 for public health records of dogs and cats used in medical research. Boone County Circuit Judge Jeff Harris said he will rule in the case after final findings and conclusions are submitted by both parties…
Laboratory animals from Mexico getting fresh start in NC
LINCOLNTON, N.C. (WBTV) – Several animals got a real taste of freedom recently after a life behind the bars of animal testing labs. The animals were brought across the border from Mexico on Friday by the Beagle Freedom Project. The rescue group for former research animals brought them to a farm sanctuary in Lincolnton. The four dogs, five rabbits and two mice are now beginning a brand new life. “When dogs touch grass for the first time, it’s an incredible experience,” said April Arrington of the Beagle Freedom Project. “These…
California’s canine blood banks harvest from caged dogs and operate in secrecy
When Robyn Black rushed her beloved corgi Winston to a veterinary hospital in Sacramento, she told the staff to do whatever it took to heal her pup as an autoimmune disease threatened his life. Winston needed several blood transfusions, but after two days of treatment, the veterinary hospital ran out of the canine lifeline. Pet hospitals often are short on dog blood amid a national shortage that lawmakers say is further exacerbated in California by the state’s restrictive laws that require veterinarians to buy dog blood solely from two blood…
What it's like to run an animal rescue!
It’s hard to image, but there are lots of animals in the world who aren’t treated as nicely as they should be. Luckily there are people like Shannon Keith, who’s the founder and president of an animal rescue organization called Beagle Freedom Project. “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to help animas, so I started my non-profit in 2004 to rescue animals from all kinds of abusive situations and help them find good homes,” Shannon explains. Keep reading to find out more about her amazing animal job!…