Rescue Group Closes Animal Testing Lab, Seeks to Convert Facility into Haven for Lab Animals

In a remarkable step forward in freedom, the Beagle Freedom Project-an animal welfare organization dedicated to rescue and end lab animal testing-has bought a former testing facility in Nowata, Oklahoma, where cats and dogs were tested for flea and tick medicines. The 30-acre "Freedom Fields" sanctuary and adoption center is now envisioned as a haven for animals rescued from testing to recover and go on to loving homes.

New Freedom Fields

February of 2024, BFP closed the lab facility and bought the land, taking possession of over 200 animals left on the site. Founder of BFP, Shannon Keith is converting the lab facility into safe haven for these pets many of whom bear physical and emotional scars from their lab torture. Over 30 of the rescued dogs and cats were adopted so far, and the last goal that BFP is trying to achieve is to give every animal who will be staying in the Freedom Fields a home for good.

Animals from a testing laboratory will receive comfort in rooms in Freedom Fields sanctuary. With toxic substances used for flea and tick treatments mainly being the cause of death for these animals, BFP took care of many animals that had come in with burns, dental issues, and other health problems brought about by exposure to those toxic substances. To make the property a true sanctuary, BFP will repair the property and incorporate facilities catering to these pets, such as a rehabilitation center and an elderly center equipped with orthopedic beds, ramps, and warmth that comfort aging animals who may never have known a life outside a lab.

A Sanctuary with a Mission

Keith founded Beagle Freedom Project in 2010 to give animals used in testing a shot at life outside of laboratories. Then, when the testing was done, many animals were euthanized. BFP began campaigning for laws that would require facilities to release these animals. Currently, BFP's "Beagle Freedom Bill" has been passed in 13 states and obligates labs to release animals to rescue groups once testing is complete. Keith also writes letters annually to every animal testing facility in the United States asking for their release of animals for adoption. Rare responses generate but one letter led to the surprise phone call from the owner of the Oklahoma lab that finally allowed Freedom Fields to become a reality.

When BFP started working with the lab back in 2021, the owner, being highly encouraged by all the USDA citations, agreed to let BFP take animals that were no longer needed for testing. Eventually, Keith proposed that the owner shut the lab down permanently and, to her surprise, he was prepared to retire and sell the property to BFP. As part of the deal, the lab owner relinquished his USDA license and agreed to put an end to animal testing.

Plans for Healing and Education at Freedom Fields

Rehabilitation at Freedom Fields is more than saving animals. Freedom Fields will also serve as an education location. "We hope to construct an education center on location where people can meet survivors of animal testing and learn more about the industry and humane care for animals," says Keith. "I think it would be pretty powerful for people to see these animals firsthand.". One thing when you meet a survivor and see into their eyes, it really melts your heart, and makes you want to do something impactful," she shares.

Keith hopes Freedom Fields will make people reflect on their choices before getting products tested on animals. To help not having products causing harms to lab animals, BFP made the free app Cruelty Cutter, scanning from product barcode and checking if the item was produced using animal testing.

A New Lease on Life for Lab Animals

Freedom fields would be the dogs and cats' first taste of freedom, kindness, and love throughout their life spent in the lab. Most were born in a lab; they have known nothing but confinement and testing. Their lives here at Freedom Fields are nothing short of a stark contrast to the painful routines they endured, and the sanctuary will serve them as an enclave from which they can find peace and rehabilitation. BFP's staff, a dedicated employee residing on-site, takes care of all these animals while waiting for them to be adopted by a family.

The property currently under renovation in Oklahoma shall be designed to be a sanctuary for needy animals. The facilities are to be expanded to cover different health and rehabilitation needs. Keith argues that most of the animals, especially the seniors, which are veteran dogs afflicted with the aftereffects of years of testing, need a safe and comfortable home.

An Inspiration to Advocacy and Compassion

Keith hopes that her exposure on Freedom Fields will inspire more to learn the real lives of animals in labs and make more compassionate choices for themselves and their pets. "I would love for people to be more aware of what products they're using-not only for themselves but also for their pets, who are also part of the family," she says.

BFP's efforts at Freedom Fields show that a lot indeed can be accomplished when rescue groups, legislation, and caring people collaborate for the good of animals. Freedom Fields is a living testament that every animal deserves a second chance, that with the right care and love those who have only seen hardship can heal and find a brighter tomorrow.