Dogs rescued from animal testing facility

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla - Undercover PETA video allegedly shows technicians throwing beagles into their cages by their ears, spraying bleach on them to calm them down, and yanking their teeth out with pliers allegedly to test pain medication.

After a nine month PETA ( People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) investigation- the federal government stepped in and the facility shut down over the weekend.

16 of the almost 200 animals rescued from the laboratory ended up at  'In Dog We Trust', a sprawling animal rescue facility in Wellington.

"They are so sweet and calm and gentle, clearly that's why they picked this breed to be part of the testing," said In Dog We Trust founder Nicole Brown.

Brown and rescue coordinator Lauren Gordon got the call that the dogs needed a home.

They have spent the week cleaning the dogs and getting them proper vet care.

 "Amazing progress, huge steps," Gordon said.  "The dogs that were at first hiding in the back of their cages are now begging for you to take them out, so friendly."

Remarkable, considering the animals have been inside cages for two years. Animal rights advocates say the crimes are unspeakable and major drug companies are linked to the lab.

All of the dogs have tattoos on them with an alpha-numberic symbol.

 "99 percent of people have no idea this is happening," Gordon said.

The good news is facilities like In Dog We Trust exist. Operating on the former Folke Peterson Wildlife Center property, Brown is committed to giving animals a second chance.

 "This is our mission," Brown said. "We have 28 acres and the ability to save 100s of thousands of animals a year."

The laboratory in question is called Professional Laboratory and Research Services and is hired by major pharmaceutical companies to test products. 

The USDA and a district attorney are now looking into the facility.

Brown is hoping to raise money for an air conditioning unit for some of the outside kennels.

You can adopt one of the beagles or one of the many other animals at In Dog We Trust by logging on here: In Dog We Trust.  You can also call 561-400-7732.

To view the entire undercover PETA investigation video, click here : Animal Testing Video