Most people never see what happens inside laboratory testing facilities. That’s exactly why Pamela Smith stepped forward. In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals hosted by Cheryl Moss, Pamela shares the emotional reality of participating in an open rescue at Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, where beagles are bred for laboratory experimentation. What unfolds is not just a story about animal testing. It is a story about courage, awareness, compassion, and the moment someone decides they can no longer look away.
The Moment Everything Changed
Pamela’s journey toward ethical veganism began with something surprisingly ordinary: a package of chicken breasts from Costco. One day, she noticed how unnaturally large they were and realized something did not feel right. After learning what happens inside factory farming systems, she made an immediate decision to stop participating. That choice transformed the direction of
her life.
Helping Street Dogs in Mexico
Living between Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and Manitou Springs, Colorado has given Pamela firsthand insight into the struggles many animals face. Through her volunteer work with Compassion Without Borders, she helps provide veterinary care, vaccinations, and spay and neuter services for street dogs and local families who otherwise may not have access to care. Her dream is to one day open a plant-based soup kitchen that reconnects people with traditional whole food, plant-based eating.
Inside the Ridglan Farms Open Rescue
The emotional center of this episode comes when Pamela recounts her experience participating in the widely publicized open rescue of beagles at Ridglan Farms. She describes the overwhelming barking, the smell inside the facility, the chaos as police arrived, and the heartbreaking realization that many of these dogs had never experienced life outdoors. One especially moving moment came when a rescued beagle gently leaned its face against hers while she carried it to safety through the rain.
Why Animal Testing Must End
Pamela explains that much of animal testing fails to translate into successful human outcomes, while modern technology and computer modeling now provide alternatives that are often more accurate. She believes public awareness is key. When people learn what is happening behind closed doors, they begin asking questions and demanding change.
A Conversation That Demands Attention
This episode is emotional, informative, and deeply thought-provoking. Pamela Smith brings calm strength and compassion to one of the most difficult conversations in animal advocacy today. Her story is a reminder that one moment of awareness can change everything and that ordinary people truly can become part of extraordinary change.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[02:30] The challenge with stray dogs, chicken breasts and coverups
[06:00] In pursuit of plant-based nutrition certification
[08:30] Compassion without borders
[13:30] Open rescues for the well-being of the animals
[15:00] Why beagles are commonly used in lab testing
[17:00] First hand experience at Ridglan Farms
[25:00] More rescuers are planned
[29:00] Go to savethedogs.io to get involved
About Pamela Smith
Pamela Smith resides between Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and Manitou Springs, Colorado. A devoted mother, grandmother, and passionate animal advocate, Pamela has been an ethical vegan for
nearly nine years after learning the realities of factory farming and animal exploitation.
She is currently enrolled in the Food Revolution Network Plant-Based Coaching Certification program and volunteers with Compassion Without Borders, an organization that provides veterinary care, spay and neuter services, and support for Mexican street dogs and local families with pets in need.
Pamela recently participated in the widely publicized open rescue of beagles at Ridglan Farms in Madison, Wisconsin to help raise awareness about dogs bred and used in laboratory testing. Her advocacy is rooted in compassion, education, and creating greater public awareness about animal suffering and alternatives to animal testing.
Learn more at savethedogs.io.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. She is also the founder of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries summit, designed to empower those involved with sanctuaries to create sustainable funding streams.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Cheryl is dedicated to ending factory farming and supporting underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she recently added Vystopia Transformation to her resume. The Vystopia work, created by psychologist Clare Mann, focuses on the emotional impact many people experience after becoming aware of animal suffering and exploitation. The training offers tools for resilience, communication, and emotional well-being while continuing to advocate for positive change.
Through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, Cheryl inspires young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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