In Memory of Herbie: The Beagle Who Inspired Change

This Pet Memorial Day, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of Herbie – the much-loved beagle adopted by our CEO, Carla Owen. Bred for the animal research industry but deemed surplus to requirements, Herbie escaped a life of experiments and instead found love, joy and adventure in a family home. His story became the inspiration for Herbie’s Law, a symbol of hope that one day no animal will face the suffering he narrowly avoided. Here, Carla reflects on Herbie’s life, his lasting legacy and why we must continue to fight for animals like him. 

This Pet Memorial Day, I’m writing with a heavy heart to share that our wonderful beagle Herbie passed away in June, just after his 15th birthday. Our family is still coming to terms with his loss, and as I write this, I find myself remembering – as I do every day – all the small, joyful moments that made life with him so special. 

Herbie wasn’t a pet, he was family. Ten years ago, an excited boy with a tattoo in his ear – a symbol of the life he narrowly escaped – rushed into our home and filled it with his big, beautiful beagle spirit. He made us laugh with his antics, comforted us with his steadfast presence, and greeted each new day with excitement, chasing scents and adventures with gusto.

Herbie was our anchor: strong, determined, and always protective. He naturally took his place at the back of our pack, making sure no one was ever left behind. Whether we were at home or out in the woods, we could count on Herbie to keep a watchful eye over us all. True to his beagle nature, he met each day with boundless enthusiasm, a nose for adventure, and a joyful energy that lifted everyone around him. 

We cherished every tail wag and every lick; now we hold tightly to those memories, forever grateful for the time we shared. Herbie brought happiness and adventure to our lives, reminding us to look out for each other, to laugh together, and to face every day with courage and love. 

But Herbie’s story doesn’t end with us. His legacy lives on in Herbie’s Law, our campaign to ensure that no animal ever suffers in the research labs he was born for. Herbie’s Law is a promise – inspired by Herbie’s journey – that it’s possible to build a kinder, more compassionate world. His life inspires me every day to fight for animal-free science, so that countless others might be spared, and loved, just as he was.

Thank you for remembering Herbie with us today, and for standing with Animal Free Research UK. I am forever grateful that Herbie was one of the lucky ones. With your support, we are working so that luck is never needed again.

Forever loved, forever missed.

Carla