Following our recent update on the status of this petition which was so disappointing both for you, together with the Trustees and management team members of our charity, here is some GOOD NEWS to share with you. In October 2015 ASRU produced an Advice Note on rehoming laboratory animals for circulation to all facilities and organisations involved in animal research and experimentation, and whilst this Advice Note is not legislation, the Home Office are encouraging research and breeding facilities to rehome animals who meet the criteria as laid down in Animal (Scientific Procedures)Act 1986, section 17B(3) We are all aware that some beagles have been released and rehomed into domestic environments in the past but these events have tended to occur ‘under the radar’. However, the Advice Note is recommending that a more structured, transparent and open procedure is adopted in the future. To achieve this opportunity, several guidelines are recommended – one of which is that only registered charities should be involved in assisting in rehoming, and we are absolutely delighted that RUN FREE ALLIANCE is now one of the 3 charities (relating to beagles) added as a ‘point of reference’ to be included in the amended Advice Note due to be published shortly. We have a produced a strategy (endorsed by a leading UK University) to progress this exciting programme which will be presented to all the research and breeding facilities in the UK by RFA, to ensure that rehoming of beagles is official, successful and offers suitable beagles the opportunity of forever loving homes as companion pets. There is an enormous amount of work that we plan to initiate, and funds will have to be raised to enable us to progress this work. So if you wish to continue supporting us and receive updates of this programme and other news, please go to our Facebook page – https://en-gb.facebook.com/Runfreealliance Obviously we will continue to pursue our overall aim which is to achieve the abolition of beagles being bred for and subsequently used for ALL research and experimentation. Finally, as this petition will be closing shortly, on behalf of the Trustees we send you many very grateful thanks to all 142.302 signatories on behalf of the beagles who are bred and used for experimentation. Christine Wynne, Chairman of charity RUN FREE ALLIANCE.