Hero beagle with PTSD fighting animal testing
A BRAVE little beagle who endured two terrifying years as a laboratory dog will be honoured at tonight’s star-studded Animal Hero Awards.
Scarlett, who helps campaigners against animal experiments, suffers from PTSD after her traumatic months in a European toxicology lab.
Despite her past she is now a fine figurehead for anti-animal testing campaigners For Life On Earth, helping its backers TV stars Ricky Gervais and Peter Egan.
And tonight she is named Inspirational Animal of the Year at the Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards.
The ceremony, at London’s Grosvenor House, celebrates examples of bravery, dedication and resilience in animals.
The Mirror joins with innovative pet food, treats and toys brand, Webbox and the RSPCA. Also honoured will be humans who made outstanding efforts to improving their lives. Stars due at the event include John Cleese, Virginia McKenna, Simon Cowell and Brian May.
They will be joined by actors Jason Watkins and Lesley Nicol along with TV’s Nicky Campbell, Ashley Roberts, Ore Oduba, Laura Whitmore, and stars of EastEnders, Loose Women and Love Island. Host Amanda Holden said: “Our winners’ stories fill you with hope.
“Whether inspirational animals, charity workers or lifelong campaigners, they all make you realise the wonderful bond between people and animals.”
Scarlett was freed from her life of misery when she was released with six other dogs in late 2016 to a US rescue charity. It helped British couple Janie and Phil Green adopt her in 2017.
Details of what Scarlett went through are secret, a condition labs impose when they agree to free, not kill, test animals.
Scarlett showers Janie and Phil with affection and loves playing with toys and other dogs. But some of her behaviour is a reminder of her earlier suffering and she lives with PTSD and anxiety. Scarlett is terrified of loud noises, fearful of being covered and has eating issues.
And she helps FLOE’s patron actor Peter Egan and supporter Ricky Gervais call for a public scientific debate on claims that animal testing is necessary.
More than 100 MPs back the call, along with TV naturalist Chris Packham, Dr Jane Goodall and Paul O’Grady.
More about the Animal Hero Awards 2018: www.animalheroawards.co.uk