The beagles are coming.
The Humane Educational Society on Wednesday announced that 15 to 20 of the 4,000 beagles that were housed at Envigo RMS in Cumberland, Virginia, will be arriving in Chattanooga on Thursday.
A rescue team left for the Virginia facility at noon Wednesday, and the nonprofit organization anticipates the dogs will arrive at 6 p.m. Thursday.
"We are elated to be a part of the rescue effort," the group said in a statement.
Staff and volunteers have been getting ready to welcome several beagles and provide needed specialized care, the group said in a news release.
"We are devastated at the suffering these dogs have endured," Rebecca Bryan, executive director of HES said in a statement. "HES staff and volunteers are eager to help these dogs find loving homes."
Federal officials accused the company of a series of animal welfare violations in May, in response to a complaint from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A judge in July approved a plan that calls for transferring about 4,000 dogs housed at a troubled Virginia breeding facility to shelters where they can be adopted, according to court records.
Those interested in adopting can apply online at heschatt.org/dogs.
For more beagle information, go to heschatt.org/beagle.
- Compiled by Ricky Young