Over 600 dogs and cats bred for research find loving homes after being released from lab

The ISPCA faced the task of finding new homes for 346 dogs and 257 cats when they were released by American multinational company Charles River Laboratories after their facility in Glenamoy, Co Mayo closed in July 2016.The animals had been bred for research into veterinary products and had never been outside in fresh air or even stepped on grass before they left the lab.The process of removing the animals from the facility began in December 2016 and they all had to be neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and health checked by vets.

Many of the dogs also needed to be socialised before being introduced to their new environment.

ISPCA Centre Manager, Eva Ellis said: "After the trial group of dogs and cats was removed from the facility, we began working closely with staff at the facility who were extremely co-operative and the challenge began to prepare the res