Campaigners at Camp Beagle welcomed author, columnist, and animal welfare advocate Meg Mathews, who visited the protest site to show her support for the campaign to free beagles bred by Marshall BioResources (MBR) for use in toxicology testing in UK laboratories.
Camp Beagle is a peaceful protest camp established outside the MBR dog breeding facility at Wyton near Huntingdon in the summer of 2021. Since then, it has become a focal point for growing public concern over the continued use of beagles — and other animals — in scientific procedures.
Campaigners are currently running a parliamentary petition calling for an end to testing on dogs and other animals for the development of products for human use, and Meg Mathews has urged her followers to share and sign the petition.
A Powerful Voice for the Voiceless
Meg Mathews is a well-known public figure, author, and columnist who has long used her platform to speak openly about social issues, mental health, and animal welfare.
Her visit to Camp Beagle reflects her commitment to compassion, ethical responsibility, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Speaking at the camp, Mathews said she felt compelled to visit after learning more about the scale of suffering endured by the beagles.
“People need to understand that this isn’t abstract — this is happening right now, in this country, behind closed doors. These dogs are born just to suffer and die, and that should disturb every single one of us.”
Growing Opposition to Animal Testing
Opposition to animal testing is increasing among members of the public, scientists, and politicians alike. Campaigners argue that animal testing is not only unethical but also scientifically unreliable. Studies show that 92–96% of drugs deemed safe and effective in animal testing fail during human clinical trials, often because they do not work in humans or prove toxic.
Campaigners also point to the availability of modern, humane, non-animal research methods that provide human-relevant results and do not involve suffering.
“We’re told this cruelty is necessary, but the science simply doesn’t back that up,” said Mathews.
“If it doesn’t reliably work for humans and it causes unimaginable suffering, how can anyone justify continuing it?”
Witnessing the Reality at Camp Beagle
During her visit, Meg Mathews learned more about the conditions faced by the beagles bred at MBR. Campaigners described her reaction as visibly emotional after hearing, seeing, and smelling the dogs confined inside the facility.
“The sound, the smell — it was heartbreaking,” Mathews said.
“I have never witnessed so much cruelty in one place. These dogs are intelligent, gentle, and social, yet they are kept in sheds with no human contact. There can be up to 1,000 beagles in one building. Once they’ve been experimented on, they are all killed.”
She added: “If people could hear what we hear and know what we know, there would be outrage. No one would accept this if it were happening in the open.”
Concerns Over Threats to Peaceful Protest
Mathews also learned about recent government proposals to criminalise protests at animal testing facilities.
The government has proposed an amendment to the Public Order Act to classify animal testing sites as “key national infrastructure.” If approved, individuals accused of ‘interfering’ with animal testing operations could face arrest, prison sentences of up to 12 months, and unlimited fines.
Campaigners warn that the amendment would not only affect MBR but could also apply to universities, zoos, and farms that use research animals, effectively silencing peaceful protest across the country.
“This is incredibly worrying,” Mathews said.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right. Trying to silence people who are speaking out against cruelty sets a very dangerous precedent.”
A parliamentary committee meeting on 17 December 2025 saw MPs express serious concerns, with even committee members stating that the proposal was inappropriate.
Standing Up for Democracy
Camp Beagle is supporting Naturewatch Foundation in its efforts to oppose the proposed amendment.
Kate Salmon, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “This proposal is aggressive and underhanded. It contradicts the Government’s own ‘Strategy to phase out animal testing’ and threatens to criminalise peaceful protesters. This is about democracy, not just animal welfare.”
A Call for Freedom
Meg Mathews’ visit has brought renewed attention to the campaign and reflects growing public pressure to end beagle breeding at MBR and to release the dogs into safe, loving homes.
“We don’t have to accept this,” Mathews said. “Change happens when people speak up, sign petitions, and demand better. These dogs deserve freedom, love, and a chance at life.”
A Camp Beagle spokesperson added: “We are incredibly grateful to Meg for standing with us and the beagles. Her support helps shine a powerful spotlight on this issue and brings us closer to freedom for the MBR beagles.”
For more information about Camp Beagle or how to support the campaign, visit www.thecampbeagle.com or follow @thecampbeagle on social media.
