I’m writing to express my support of a bill that would require the state's research facilities to make dogs and cats available for adoption once testing is over.
I adopted a beagle from a local rescue organization back in spring 2010. She had spent the first five years of her life in a research facility, where she had litters of puppies that “went to research.” She is one of three beagles that my husband and I have adopted in the past 20 years, but she was the first that we adopted that came from a research facility. I want to be very clear that Fanny has been a wonderful addition to our family since we adopted her almost eight years ago, and she has made an excellent family pet. Fanny goes with us on vacation in Maine and loves to hike and ride in the canoe. She particularly enjoys the long car ride to and from Maine. In fact, my husband has said that Fanny may be the very best pet he has ever had the pleasure of adopting.
I hope that the Sun will endorse this bill, giving hundreds of dogs and cats the opportunity to experience life as pets and other families can enjoy the pleasures of a pet like Fanny. I urge your readers to contact their state representatives to request they vote in favor of the Beagle Bill.
Beth Gibbs, Towson