ST. LOUIS–The Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri has opened its arms to 15 more of the 4,000 rescued beagles and expects to have a line out its front door tomorrow with dog lovers ready to give them a new forever home. 

Sarah Javier, CEO for the APA of Missouri, tells Spectrum News the female dogs arrived from Virgina Wednesday. She says her team immediately began examining them and they were spayed Thursday. 

The Humane Society of the United States is coordinating the transfer of the 4,000 beagles from a troubled Virginia breeding facility to shelters across the United States. 

The APA of Missouri received 11 rescued beagles last month and Javier says they were quickly adopted. She expects the same thing to happen with the newest arrivals. 

“While we are very full, and we prioritize local animals who are in need of help, we are very grateful that we have a very robust fostering program and a high rate of adoption, and pets get into homes very quickly and that means we can make room for these dogs from Envigo,” said Javier. 

The APA of Missouri had 582 adoptions during July. Javier explained that most animals stay in their shelter for less than a week so they were able to make room for more pets, like the beagles in this case. 

“11 or 15 doesn’t sound like a lot, but we are doing our little piece,” said Javier. 

She said for those who want to help but aren’t interested in adopting, the APA can always use volunteer and foster families. Javier says donations also help the organization be able to help in these types of situations.

The animals that are healthy enough to be adopted Friday are posted on the APA website. The shelter on Hanley Road opens at 10 a.m.