Footage of beagles bred for lab tests shows puppies ‘stressed and confined in cages’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The puppies display pathological repetitive behaviours typical in confined animals whose needs are not being met; many can be seen pacing the same loop up and down, in a similar manner to how an enclosed zoo animal might behave,” he said. Protest coordinator John Curtin claimed the beagles barked continually and alleged that even people across the road from the centre could hear the “constant, extremely loud barking of the dogs and often shrieking and whining”. Alice Brough, a vet-turned-campaigner, said: “The facilities and level of care apparently provided to these dogs would, in my opinion, not fully take into account their physiological and ethological needs; significant adverse behaviours are evident in multiple dogs to suggest this.” The government code of practice guidelines on noise, comfort, space and activities were poorly adhered to from what can be seen in the footage, she claimed. “Consideration should be given to the inclusion of windows in holding rooms, since they are a source of natural light and can provide environmental enrichment.” MBR released this photo of some of the dogs A spokesperson for MBR Acres said: “The new footage does not show any irregularities but does show healthy and content dogs in a regulated breeding establishment who are well cared for by a team of trained and dedicated staff.