Rescued beagles finally touch grass after living in test lab cages: 'To rest without fear'

Dogs bred for laboratory testing are rarely given a chance at real life — often treated as tools in experiments rather than living beings. In fact, reports reveal that sick puppies were given test substances despite showing signs of fever and vomiting, with many animals left untreated. But one recent rescue effort gave 30 of such dogs — all beagles — the opportunity to take their first steps toward freedom, and touch grass for the very first time. The moment was captured on TikTok by Nathan Kehn (@nathanthecatlady), an animal rescuer who frequently volunteers with organizations around the world. He captioned the clip, "If this doesn’t make you feel good I don’t know what will."

In the video, Kehn opened each carrier as volunteers gently encouraged the dogs out onto the grass. Some paused, visibly overwhelmed, while others began running, sniffing, and nudging their way around the garden as if finally discovering what it meant to be alive. The rescue was carried out by the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), a nonprofit that has worked since 2010 to save and rehome animals used in experimental research. Jason Bayless, vice president of the organization, told Newsweek, "These dogs came from a non-U.S. animal testing laboratory, where they were born into a life of confinement and pain."

He added that while the exact facility and procedures remain undisclosed, the dogs’ experiences were likely shaped by chronic deprivation. "They were confined to cramped metal cages, with multiple dogs per cage, stacked one on top of the other. They were denied everything a living being deserves: no sunlight, no fresh air, no gentle touch," Bayless said. Kehn later told Newsweek he was "so excited" to hear that the BFP had secured their release. "I've seen firsthand how miserable these poor beagles are when they come out of the lab. Getting to see their first steps on grass and then watch the spark in their eye when they realized they can play was amazing," he said.

Bayless explained that bringing the dogs to safety in the US took months of effort, involving international coordination and private advocacy. Although some commenters on the video referenced recent US policy changes limiting animal testing, Bayless clarified that such domestic regulations had no impact on these particular dogs. "These beagles came from a facility outside the U.S., so any American policy changes have no jurisdiction over their treatment," he said. Now, each of the dogs is either with a foster family or has already been placed in a permanent home. Many are beginning to form bonds, explore toys, and slowly recover from the physical and psychological effects of their past. "They’re now learning what it means to live — to feel grass under their paws, to receive affection, to play, to rest without fear," Bayless said.

The video left many viewers emotional, with several sharing what it meant to see the dogs finally free. @nessas_4 wrote, "Can’t believe we’re witnessing what is quite possibly their first ever zoomies." @rubysuecutiepoo said, "How people can still participate in animal testing in this day and age is beyond me." @rachy._.poo wrote, "BAWLING. I hope they live out their days knowing NOTHING but comfort and love." @mommak8221 commented, "That is 120 paws touching Earth for the first time... a sight that makes me incredibly happy and sad at the same time. Precious! Thank you for sharing this!!!"

You can follow Nathan Kehn (@nathanthecatlady) on TikTok for more animal content.