NORFOLK - 31 dogs were rescued from the Professional Laboratory and Research Services lab in Gates County and taken to the Norfolk SPCA in the hopes that they will all be eventually adopted.Norfolk SPCA spokesperson, Michelle Williams says the dogs need a lot of work.
She says, "They really don't know what's going to happen to them. One of the biggest issues is going to be potty training because they don't know what outside is and they don't know where they're suppose to go to the bathroom. They're just used to going and standing in it basically."
It's unclear to Michelle what abuse these dogs were subjected to at the lab, or if any. But Williams has to assume that there was some abuse based on the undercover video from PETA that shows workers at the lab violently kicking the dogs and spraying them with hoses.
Since the video was released, the lab decided to stop their research operations and the USDA has begun a formal investigation. Yet, even though the Norfolk SPCA was allowed to rescue 31 dogs, no one from the non-profit group was allowed to go inside to see the conditions.
Michelle says, "Nobody was allowed to go in, even in the main building. Only a couple of people were allowed to go in and sign paperwork but that was it."
In fact, NewsChannel 3 went undercover with the Norfolk SPCA and the lab didn't want any of the animal rescue groups on their property. All of the vans and SPCA volunteers were forced to wait in a dirt parking lot across the street.
Everyone with the rescue groups were told by lab officials that they weren't allowed to have cameras, cell phones, or any contact with media near the lab. If they broke the rules, no dogs would be released.
"I understand that they had some sort of rogue employees and it wasn't the whole facility but at that point, it wasn't about them. It wasn't about the media because that video from PETA is already out there. It's about the animals and doing what's best for them," Michelle says.
Helping these dogs is what the SPCA's focus is now as they work to rehabilitate the dogs in order to find them all homes
Two-year-old Ambriel is one of the Beagles rescued from the lab last week. She refuses to bark but the way she trembles in the company of people speaks volumes.
It will take a lot of reassurance for Ambriel to trust people again. She's getting an exam and shots today, but what's most important to the folks at the Norfolk SPCA is her mental health.
Michelle says, "To me, she's saying she's petrified. She's scared to death."
Beagles are notoriously noisy hound dogs. But something happened to these beagles that gave Michelle the creeps when she drove them away from the lab where they lived.
"It was an eerie drive back knowing you had 19 beagles together in a truck and not a sound the whole time," Michelle says.
Now the SPCA is committed to spending their time helping Ambriel and the others learn that there is nothing to fear. She's hoping that soon they'll learn that it is okay to love and that it is okay to play.
Volunteer, Elsie Powell spent the weekend petting and playing with the dogs, hoping to give them their spirit back."A lot of petting, a lot of rubbing, a lot of brushing and a lot of kissing," is what Elsie says they need.
In a matter of days, Ambriel has gone from scared dog, to playful, tail-wagging dog. The healing has begun.
"Her spirit has been kind of broken and we're going to take the time she needs to get her spirit back for her to run and play and learn how to be a dog," Michelle says. "She's happy. She's sweet. You can see the smile on her face. She's coming around very quickly. She has a great chance at a wonderful life."
All of the rescued dogs at the Norfolk SPCA have to be spayed or neutered before they will be adopted out. If you're interested in one of these dogs, you can come in and get your first peek at the animals starting Friday.
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