Beagle brigade rolls into Encinitas

Just before 11:00 a.m. on February 23, 35 beagles arrived at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas. Taken from the home of a hoarder, the dogs were brought in by four vehicles, with the help of the Four Paws Rescue group.

“The beagles were voluntarily released,” said Rancho Coastal’s spokesperson John Van Zante.

The dogs' former owner (an older woman who did not want her name released) contacted the Four Paws Rescue group. She said she could no longer take care of the dogs and she needed help.

The group of dogs includes 4 pregnant beagles and 5 pugs, which were turned over to a pug-rescue group, which are placing the pugs with foster families.

Van Zante said it appears the dogs are in good health. Medical exams began upon arrival.

“They appear to be friendly, social, and like other dogs and people,” he said. After they are spayed or neutered and released by the shelter’s medical director, the dogs will be available for adoption. “Maybe some by this week,” said Van Zante.

The beagles’ bark will be around for a long time at the shelter, as the last batch of puppies is expected to be born in mid-March.

Van Zante encouraged possible adoptive families to check the shelter’s website for available adoptees.