Beagles are often overlooked in discussions about animals used in scientific research, which typically highlight mice or monkeys. However, tens of thousands of beagles are employed in medical research and chemical safety testing in the U.S., as detailed by science journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan in her book, “Lab Dog.”
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Kaplan explains that the common perception of beagles being used in research stems from their docile nature and manageable size, qualities that make them easy to handle. "The pat answer I always heard was that because they’re docile and small and you can easily pick them up and they are pretty much happy to do whatever you want, which is not good news for the ones in the lab," she shared during the “First Opinion Podcast.”
Another significant factor in their use is historical; Kaplan notes that after the Civil War, beagles were imported from England and bred for hunting. This established a breeding infrastructure that later pivoted towards drug testing and research.
In “Lab Dog,” Kaplan recounts her journey with her adopted beagle, Hammy, a retired research dog, as she investigates his origins and examines the roles dogs play in medical research. She discusses both the potential and limitations of alternatives to animal testing and reflects on the ethics of animal research.
The number of beagles used in laboratories has declined from about 70,000 when Kaplan adopted Hammy to around 40,000 today, a change tied to government efforts to reduce reliance on animal testing. The podcast episode covers Hammy’s story and the broader implications of animal research.