WHEREAS, Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, which specializes in rehabilitating animals who have been used in laboratory research and strives to foster compassion for all animals, accepted 150 beagles from a breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, in 2022; and

WHEREAS, on its 1,000-acre compound in Hartville, Wyoming, Kindness Ranch rehabilitates dogs and cats in a home-like environment and provides outstanding care and support to help animals adjust to life outside of a laboratory environment; the facility has also worked with pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, horses, cows, and llamas; and

WHEREAS, Kindness Ranch operates an adoption program for rehabilitated animals, and those that are too debilitated, old, or ill to be placed in a loving home can remain on the ranch, cared for by professionals and generous volunteers; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Fairfax County acquired 150 beagle puppies from a breeding facility and subsequently transferred the animals to Kindness Ranch; and

WHEREAS, these beagles have received comprehensive care at Kindness Ranch and the organization has found numerous adoptive and loving homes for these wonderful beagles; and

WHEREAS, Kindness Ranch continues to fulfill its mission through the hard work of its staff members and volunteers and generous support from donors and community partners; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary hereby be commended for its work to provide care to 150 beagle puppies from a breeding facility in Cumberland County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Ramer, director of Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the organization's commitment to animal welfare.