Marshall Beagles in Medical Research
Animal testing is where non-human animals are used for research or testing products before they are considered safe to test on humans. Marshall Beagles are specifically bred by companies for the use for Bioscience research, such as research into cures for bone cancer. A establishment in East Yorkshire is an example of a controversial breeder of the Beagles, where high security, CCTV and wire borders isolates the breeding establishment from the outside public. The beagles are kept in metal cages against the wall, in groups of twos or threes, and are never allowed outside. This is a welfare issue as it removes the beagles Freedom to experess natural behaviour and Freedom from discomfort. Females are also bred from litter after litter, and puppies are sent straight to be tested on after weaning, causing fear and distress for puppies and bitches. Furthermore, due to the cramped living conditions dogs have to go to toilet inside rather than being let outside, making living conditions often unsanitary, which increases risk of disease as newly born puppies will be living in these conditions, risking infection to the mothers milk and the puppies. In addition, the actual testing on the dogs is likely to cause pain and even death in circumstances.