79 Beagles Liberated - 5th November 1999 - Part 4: The Safety of the Liberated Beagles

Camp Beagle has received an anonymous account detailing how these beagles were liberated on 5th November 1999.

Part 4: The Safety of the Liberated Beagles

To maximise the dogs’ chance of freedom, they were separated into small groups and taken by car to different clandestine destinations across the country. Still, about half of them were loaded into the van and taken to a temporary location for a few days before we could split them into smaller groups and move them to various locations again, from where they were ultimately rehomed.

I vividly remember how static we felt releasing the dogs from the van into the large barn you can see in the video clip, watching them explore all the new things and experience a taste of the freedom awaiting them in their new homes. When we filmed the footage, both the dogs and we were very excited, but it was not long before we all realised how tired and exhausted we felt after the night adventure we had shared. So we all fell asleep in a big pile—I’m being literal here. The puppies wanted to sleep next to each other, and they all piled up over us in a heap of warmth and unconditional puppy love.

In the eyes of the law, these dogs were now considered “stolen goods,” and anyone handling them could face prosecution. Even worse, the so-called “stolen goods” could be returned to the breeders. Therefore, it was essential that the work carried out after the liberation was done on a strict need-to-know basis and with high precautions. There was a magnificent team of people coordinating the transportation of the dogs, veterinary assistance, and rehoming. We often feel that these individuals do not receive the public recognition they deserve; without their support, the successful liberation of these beagles would not have been possible.

The 79 liberated puppies had identifying numbers tattooed in one of their ears. Arrangements were made with sympathetic vets to make the tattoos untraceable and to provide the dogs with a check-up. The puppies had to be assessed, as some did not seem overly disturbed by their time in the breeding facility, while others showed many signs of trauma. One by one, all the dogs were placed in loving, caring homes, ensuring that those puppies experiencing post-traumatic stress were given adequate homes that met their needs.

Being part of this liberation is one of the proudest moments of my life, and I will forever cherish the happiness I experienced that night sleeping under a pile of now-free beagle puppies. However, ever since, I have been burdened by the thought that many more dogs continue to be bred in that place. Seventy-nine beagles had a chance to receive love and care for the majority of their lives, but how many more have been bred since and continue to be bred in this facility? The site at Swatry Way, PE28 2DT, has been managed by various companies over its 50-year history, and it still continues to profit from the suffering and pain of dogs. While I wish for many more puppies, mothers, and adult beagles to have the opportunity to live in caring and loving homes, I know that to bring a final end to the cruel business of vivisection, the legislation needs to be changed. Just as anti-slavery laws and women’s suffrage were once implemented, current legislation regulating animal experimentation must be updated to the 21st century.

We hope you enjoyed getting some historical context of MBR Acres and the animal liberation front.