Hi, I'm Gina.
Beagle Liberty is inspired by the beagles that have been rescued from animal testing, and the thousands that remain to be rescued.
The average person is completely unaware that beagles are bred by the thousands for animal testing, right here in the United States, with our tax dollars. I think it's the most vital thing to spread this knowledge to as many people as possible, quickly. This is my story of how I became aware, and what Beagle Liberty means to me.
My beagle, and learning about animal testing.
The dog who first taught me what it means to love a dog, is a beagle named Danbi. Danbi is a tracker and a runner at heart. I'm no hunter, but I sometimes take her to fenced-in, private woods so I can see how happy she gets when she's in her element.
Sometimes I'll let my mom or my significant other go out the door and get a 10 minute head start, and then bring Danbi out on a leash to track them down. Her nose is second to none, and she finds them every time!
One day when I took Danbi to the vet, one of the techs made a comment about how sweet and forgiving beagles are, and that's why they're the breed of choice in animal testing. The vet said this in a very matter-of-fact way, but I was horrified at this knowledge.
Beagles are born to run, not to be stuck inside metal cages where they barely have room to turn around.
Beagles are born to track scents down in packs. Their noses are so sensitive, they can smell a rabbit from a mile away. And yet, breeding-testing facilities keep these poor animals in squalid conditions, where the only scent they have access to is their own filth, and the chemicals that are used to clean their cages.
Beagles are born to love. I have met no better cuddler than Danbi, who will readily get into your lap and fall asleep. She could also open a kissing booth and earn a pretty decent living. I'm driven to tears when I imagine that Danbi could have been trapped in a wire cage, with not a single loving hand, in a place where being handled almost always means pain. And that is the current reality for so many dogs just like her.
Tens of thousands, in fact– EVERY YEAR in the United States since the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Most of these dogs do not live past a year, and the vast majority never make it out of the laboratory system alive.
This shouldn't be happening.
The worst part is that animal testing is ineffective, outdated, and only still widespread because there is an entire industry deeply entrenched and profiting off of it. And the federal regulations are incredibly slow to change. Even though bills like the FDA Modernization Act are being introduced, the wheels of the government turn at a snail’s pace. Even if a bill banning animal testing is signed into law, it will take years to phase out animal testing-unless we the people act.
Dogs evolved alongside humans for 30,000 years in companionship and love. To turn them into disposable test subjects like this is an ultimate betrayal of that relationship. These dogs deserve freedom to run, a loving home, and a warm bed to sleep in. The laboratory beagles can’t fight for those rights, but we can.
And that is why I designed the Gadsden beagle flag. We displayed it at the #MarchForAnimals kickoff rally on September 12, 2026 in support to END animal testing on these sweet beautiful souls.
Why the Gadsden flag?
In short, because it symbolizes unifying in vigilance and resistance to tyranny.
Although this iconic yellow flag has been adapted by different groups and causes throughout the years, it was originally designed in the American Revolution as a warning not to enroach on our liberty.
Instead of a rattlesnake, this version has a defiant beagle puppy. The Gadsden beagle is a message to the animal testing industry: we are ready to fight for their freedom. If the powers that be don't stop this senseless cruelty, then the people will unite to put a stop to it ourselves.
The animal testing industry should take note while we're asking nicely, because most people in this country would not support their tax dollars being used to torture dogs (and cats, and ferrets...the list goes on.)
Let's stand together for beagle liberty.
The Gadsden beagle flag is a striking symbol that will get your friends and neighbors asking what it's about. And I believe that enough of us Americans will feel the same once they find out.
When we unite as one to stand up to their tyranny, we will win.