Over three days, passionate protesters gathered outside Marshall BioResources in rural New York to raise their voices for the 23,000 beagles trapped inside the breeding and testing facility. This was the largest protest to date. The protest was organized by Beagle Lovers And Rescuers, a grassroots group committed to exposing animal cruelty and ending the use of beagles in lab testing. Despite cold rain, limited media coverage, and resistance from the company, the group remained energized, fueled by the support of out-of-state allies, emotional moments, and a shared mission to end animal testing.
Each day brought new challenges and inspiration. Beagles like Freddy, Adi Grace, and Lily Rose made appearances, embodying the cause. Emotional highlights included a child’s heartfelt sign reading “Stop hurting puppies. I’ll take one,” and a protester’s reflection on the overwhelming reality of the cruelty happening behind the walls.
While local news stations remained silent, the power of social media and community solidarity grew stronger. Residents who had never known the facility’s purpose were shocked, and new allies joined the cause. The group left with renewed resolve: to keep exposing the truth and be a voice for those who can’t speak.
Day 1 – Protest Report
This morning, Marshall BioResources’ owner, Scott Marshall had State Trooper stationed at the front gate. He had employees wear masks and park in a public lot a quarter-mile away — the same lot we had planned to use. But no worries — we’re proudly lined up across the road from the main gate, standing strong for the 23,000 beagles trapped inside.
Despite the chilly 46°F rain, spirits were high and new friendships formed. Freddy the beagle made an appearance too — a reminder of why we’re here. Half the crowd today came from out of state, and we were heartbroken to see a school bus dropping off children right at Marshall’s gate this afternoon. We dont know exactly why yet.
I’ve been in contact with two Rochester news stations. While both said their teams were tied up today, they asked for updates — and we still have Friday and Saturday to make noise! Media coverage is tough out here in rural NY, but we’re not backing down. More people are arriving Friday and momentum is building. We’re here. We’re loud for the beagles inside!
Day 2 – Protest Report
We had an even stronger showing today! Freddy the beagle returned—and this time, he was joined by Adi Grace and Lily Rose. These beautiful dogs reminded all of us why we’re here.
Many protesters traveled long distances to raise their voices for the 23,000 beagles trapped inside Marshall BioResources. I’d bet they heard us—beagles have incredible hearing.
For a moment, it felt like they were trying to reach us too. We thought we heard beagles baying from inside. A few of us crossed the road to listen closer. The sound faded. Maybe someone left a shed door open. Moments later, MBR security appeared at the blockade. Safe to say, we’ve made their last two days a bit more eventful.
Regan shared this powerful reflection:
“It just made everything seem more real to me—made me feel sad and honestly furious. I didn’t understand why people were giving us thumbs down… like you’re angry we want them to stop torturing beagles? But then there was the other side—support from strangers, horn honks of solidarity, and best of all, meeting fellow beagle lovers with one mission: ending the suffering.”
We also saw another school bus drop off kids at the facility—still unclear why. And today, a drone flew over us from the field behind. We don’t know who was piloting it.
Only two Rochester news stations—WHEC and WHAM—cover this rural area. I’ve been in contact with both since day one. They told me they’re short-staffed and can’t promise coverage. I even offered to film clips in landscape and connect them with our organizer for a phone interview. Both read the message. Neither replied.
But we’re not giving up. We still have Saturday. Maybe they’ll show up by noon. If not, we’ve exposed Marshall’s more than ever before thanks to you sharing our posts. You are the voice for these beagles!
Day 3 – Final Protest Report
This morning, for the first time during our three-day protest, the sunrise greeted us as we arrived at the gates of Marshall BioResources. After two grueling days of cold rain and biting wind, we were physically drained, but each honk and thumbs-up from a passing car instantly revived our spirits. “They know what happens here too?!” you’d hear someone say, surprised but hopeful.
Despite a full year of research and outreach, we’ve learned that many people in Wayne County still have no idea what takes place behind Marshall’s walls. That’s by design. Owner Scott Marshall has built a fortress—a cold, calculated facility where secrecy protects profit, and thousands of beagles bred for research live and die without a voice.
Throughout our final day, we continued building new alliances and friendships. One local woman joined us and held one of our signs. She’s lived in the area for years, but only recently discovered what Marshall BioResources actually does. This keeps happening. Again and again, residents tell us the same thing: “I had no idea.” But those walls of secrecy that Marshall spent decades building are starting to crack, thanks to the internet, social media, and people speaking out. Every share, every post, every protest weakens their grip a little more.
Our leader, Kimmy kept spirits high with her fearless energy, chasing after employee cars as they exited and calling out, “Shame on you!” It was a tribute. A powerful callback to our friends across the ocean who protest outside MBR Acres, Marshall BioResources’ UK facility, where beagles faced the same grim fate. The spirit of global solidarity was alive in every voice here.
Animal activist and photographer Adair Luhr was also on-site, capturing raw and emotional moments that told the story better than words ever could. We’ve published her photos here for you.
Everyone’s highlight of the day was meeting Desi and his family. Desi, just a kid, held a handmade sign that read, “Stop hurting puppies. I’ll take one.” That simple, honest plea cut through the noise and resonated with everyone there. I’ll end my report with that, because I hope it resonates with everyone reading this too. We have permission from Desi’s parents to share his photo.
Please consider making DONATION to help us continue our presence outside Marshall BioResources and support future efforts for the cats, dogs, and ferrets trapped inside.