In 2005 the Valley Animal Research Centre was set up in the Manuwatu. The facility was run by bio-pharmaceutical scientist Allen Goldenthal.
The factory, which has since closed, tested drugs on beagles - often the breed of choice for end stage drug testing due to their compliant nature.
So where are the beagles now?
Number Nine was adopted by his new owners a month ago, after the pound picked him up from the closed facility - he looks older than his four years and has some health and behavioural problems.
If you're interested in adopting a beagle, email campbelllive@tv3.co.nz for information.
Other beagles just like him are being advertised for sale on trade me by Margaret Harkima, a former director of the Valley Animal Research Centre and Allen Goldenthal's estranged wife.
Campbell Live wanted to know what Margaret was telling prospective owners, so our producer Jayne - a dog lover - asked to buy two of the dogs.
Margaret Harkima brought the beagles to Jayne’s home and told her their names were Dawn and Susie.
Dawn appeared extremely fearful and would not even take food from Jayne. Margaret offered shyness as the explanation for Dawn's behaviour.
Margaret gave the two dogs to Jayne for free, but asked for $200 to cover petrol costs.
Campbell Live wanted to know whether the dogs she was selling on TradeMe had been tested on, so we asked Margaret Harkima for an interview; however, she refused.
On TradeMe, Margaret advertises the beagles as coming from her lifestyle property, but they're actually being housed in the facility where Margaret bred the beagles which were used for testing.
Margaret later admitted that the dogs she's re-homing came from her and her husband's testing facility, but she maintains that these dogs have not been tested on.
Her husband Allen Goldenthal still has a licence to do animal testing in New Zealand, but he's currently working for the Chinese government. His Facebook page shows him posing with pandas.
In the meantime there's no doubt that he's left his wife with the very difficult task of re-homing institutionalised dogs. There are still around 30 adult beagles plus puppies in the facility, and a couple of other breeds as well.
Animal welfare group Huha drove a truck from Wellington to offer to take the unwanted dogs off Margaret, and negotiated with her for an hour and a half.
Because of behavioural problems, some of the dogs Margaret has been re-homing may be ending up at pounds.
It's hard to track whether beagles at pounds originated at the Valley Animal Research Centre, but the Napier pound reports a large number of beagles coming in.
Unsuspecting owners buying off TradeMe may also need to be aware of unforeseen costs - we asked a vet to examine Susie and Dawn. Their blood results have come back normal and we're awaiting the results of further testing.
Number Nine now also has the help he needs - and a new name, Beagie Boy.
There are at least 30 other beagles who just want the same chance.
3 News