Oscar crew reveals 'They Were Good Dogs' exposing 70k lab beagle tests

Oscar‑winning producer Ross Kauffman, along with Sarah Sarandos and Scott Veltri, have greenlit a new documentary called *They Were Good Dogs* that shines a light on the hidden world of laboratory beagles. The film is directed by Lily Blavin, founder of Lightning Strikes Productions, and is her first feature.

The project aims to expose the cruel breeding, caging, and testing practices that claim an estimated 70,000 beagles each year.

The film’s release notes that it traces a sprawling network of breeders, laboratories and institutions while following the activists who risked their livelihoods—and in some cases their freedom—to document what was happening inside.

The documentary uses exclusive undercover footage, whistleblower accounts and unprecedented access to activists working to shut down the industry.

Blavin, who first learned of laboratory beagle use 13 years ago, says she couldn’t ignore the story. Four beagles now live in her house; each spent its life in a cage and only recently learned what grass is for the first time.

She cites documentaries like *The Cove* and *Blackfish* as proof that exposing hidden cruelty can’t be ignored, and she wants audiences to decide what they think about the hidden world.

## Background & Context

The six‑year investigation that birthed *They Were Good Dogs* uncovered practices that kill an estimated 70,000 beagles annually.

The film exposes the complex supply chain from breeders to laboratories, highlighting how beagles are bred for biomedical research and then subjected to testing on pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals and household products. The documentary’s narrative underscores the scale of the industry’s cruelty.

In addition to behind‑the‑scenes footage, the film includes testimony from a whistleblower inside a major laboratory that has never been infiltrated or exposed. This insider perspective offers unprecedented insight into protocols that keep beagles in cages and under constant testing.

The release emphasizes that the film follows activists who risked their livelihoods—and even freedom—to bring these hidden practices to light.

## What People Are Saying

Producer Scott Veltri said that most people have no idea dogs are used in animal testing. “That’s the whole problem, and it’s why this film needs to exist,” he added. Veltri described the project as a multi‑year journey and praised Blavin for her fearless leadership, saying she never gave up in her fight for these innocent animals.

Sarah Sarandos, who has produced films such as *Happy Gilmore 2* and *Uncut Gems*, added that after witnessing Blavin’s dedication, producing the documentary felt less a choice and more a responsibility.

She expressed honor in bringing the ambitious work to a wide audience and shining a spotlight on the harsh realities of laboratory beagle testing.

## What Happens Next

The documentary is currently in post‑production. While a release date has not yet been announced, the producers have indicated that the film will aim to reach audiences through festivals and digital platforms. The goal is to bring the hidden world of beagle testing into public consciousness and spur change in industry practices.

Filmmakers also plan to partner with animal welfare groups for outreach.

Executive producers Geralyn White Dreyfous, Siena Oberman and Lucy Guo—known for titles like *The Invisible War* and *Dead Man’s Wire*—join the project to lend their expertise.

With a production team that includes Academy Award nominee Robin Honan and seasoned veterans of investigative cinema, the film is positioned to amplify its message beyond traditional documentary audiences.

With its unprecedented footage and insider testimonies, *They Were Good Dogs* promises to make the unseen suffering of laboratory beagles impossible to ignore. The film’s completion could spark renewed scrutiny and demand for reforms across the industry.