Ten beagles got their first taste of freedom Wednesday in Valley Village after living through years of animal testing.
Operation Beagle Freedom secured the dogs from labs and let them roam around a neighborhood backyard, which was a whole new world to the pooches.
"They will be here until we find foster homes," said Shannon Keith, the organization's president, adding: "It takes a while for them to get adjusted, just to being free."
The rescued canines range in age from five years to nine years old, she sai.
Upon learning how to be a dog from other canines at the foster homes, the beagles will be ready to be taken in by a family.
Beagles are often used to test makeup, laundry detergent and other products because of their friendly and docile nature, according to Operation Beagle Freedom's website.
Keith said her group is able to rescue dogs from labs in exchange for confidentiality. Having that offer on the table makes it more likely beagles will be freed instead of executed, she said.
Operation Beagle Freedom has rescued 106 dogs in the last three years.
Check out the accompanying video to see more footage of the beagles seeing the real world for the first time.
