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Most of us never see the animals used in research—or what happens when they finally get a second chance at life.
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Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are used in research and teaching across Australia. Most of us never see them. We never learn their names, hear their stories, or think about what happens when their time in the laboratory ends.

Thankfully, there are people dedicated to changing that.
My guest today is Nikki Steendam of Beagle Freedom Australia.

Nikki got her first beagle in 2007 and quickly fell in love with the breed. What began as a love for beagles grew into a passion for rescue, rehabilitation, and helping some of the most vulnerable dogs find their confidence and their place in the world.

Over the years, Nikki has helped re-home thousands of beagles, hounds, and other dogs, and has played a key role in the growth of Beagle Freedom Australia — a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to giving ex-research, ex-testing, and ex-teaching laboratory animals a second chance at life.

We explore why beagles are so commonly used in research, what happens when these animals leave the laboratory environment, and the remarkable work being done to help them transition into loving homes.

We also talk about the newly launched Real Room, Australia’s first purpose-built space designed to help ex-research animals experience the sounds, sights, and rhythms of everyday life before adoption.

At its heart, this is a conversation about compassion, resilience, second chances, and the extraordinary difference a small group of dedicated people can make.

We talk about:

•  The reality of rescue work—what goes into rehabilitating and rehoming beagles and hounds.
•  Why beagles are the most commonly used breed for research.
•  Stories from the field—memorable rescues, transformations, and the impact of giving these dogs a second chance.
•  The role of volunteers and how a fully volunteer-run organisation sustains such a significant impact.
•  How people can support Beagle Freedom Australia’s work—whether through adoption, fostering, donations, or spreading awareness.
•  The emotional side of rescue—what keeps Nikki going and what she’s learned along the way.

One of the things that stayed with me after speaking to Nikki is that rehabilitation isn’t just about rescuing an animal. It’s about helping them feel safe enough to discover who they are beyond survival.

Every animal deserves that chance.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges animals face. Yet stories like these remind me that meaningful change happens every day because ordinary people choose to care.

Whether that’s opening your home, volunteering your time, supporting an organisation you believe in, or helping spread awareness, it all counts.

If you’d like to learn more about Beagle Freedom Australia, you’ll find links and resources in the show notes.
Beagle Freedom Australia’s website: https://www.beaglefreedomaustralia.org/
Connect with Beagle Freedom Australia across the socials: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
Here is the link Nikki mentioned from the NHMRC where, Interested stakeholders are invited to subscribe to keep up to date about the review of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code).

Finally, here’s sweet Freckle!

That’s it for this week in Healthification.

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This journal and daily planner follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.

Connect with Kate across the socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube and her FREE Skool Community, Plant Positive.

With love and gratitude plant friends.

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