Busload of rescued beagles arrive in Bay Area from Wisconsin research laboratory

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A busload of beagles rescued from a Wisconsin research facility has arrived in the Bay Area after a roughly 2,000-mile trip, marking the latest step in their transition from laboratory cages to foster and adoptive homes.

The dogs are among 1,500 beagles removed last month from Ridglan Farms, a research facility in Wisconsin. Rescue groups say the animals are now experiencing basic comforts many have never had, from walking on grass to drinking from bowls.

RELATED: Beagles rescued from research lab finding forever homes in Bay Area

"I don't want to start crying again," says Wendy Lansdon, a volunteer with Northern California Beagle Rescue, as she recounts the moment they walked onto the bus with the rescued dogs.

"It was very emotional. Some of them were really quiet when we got in there, some of them were happy, and the other ones were terrified," said Lansdon.

The Northern California Beagle Rescue said the dogs arriving in the Bay Area will be placed in homes in San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, among other communities.

MORE: Academy of Sciences secures grant to help endangered sea stars, Bay Area's coastal ecosystem

Brandy Baggett described the journey from the Midwest to California as the beginning of a completely new life for the animals.

"So, basically, they came from the facility, got on a bus and drove from Wisconsin to Fremont," Baggett said.

She said the dogs are slowly being introduced to everyday experiences most pets take for granted.

"So, first touches of grass, and, you know, first drinks out of a bowl, and eventually we'll get some food out of a bowl, too," Baggett said.

Ridglan Farms was accused last fall of performing procedures that constituted animal mistreatment.

The company has denied the allegations but agreed to sell the dogs to rescue organizations for an undisclosed amount.

Videos showing the conditions inside the facility were taken by groups involved in the rescue.

Lansdon said some of the beagles are arriving with medical needs.

"They all need dentals, all their teeth are really bad," she said.

Animal welfare advocates say the rescue highlights broader concerns about the use of dogs in research.

"It just needs to stop. It's barbaric, it's inhumane, it's not necessary," said volunteer Tina Lassiter.

Rescuers said many of the beagles, some of which are underweight, cautiously explored the outdoors after arriving Sunday, possibly for the first time in their lives.

"No, it was amazing, and it was very emotional for me, because I'm a total dog person. So, I'm glad that they're going to be in good homes," said Leigh Swinford.