Beagle Freedom Project Partnerhship

In addition to his work as the American Baroque Orchestra’s artistic director and conductor, Mark Bailey also is extensively involved in the world of animal advocacy.  He serves as a State Commissioner for the Connecticut Task Force on Animal Welfare and is a member of the advisory board for Connecticut Votes for Animals.   He is particularly passionate about the work of the Beagle Freedom Project (“BFP”). 

Each year, around 70,000 dogs, mostly beagles, are used in laboratory testing for pharmaceuticals, household items and beauty products.  When the dogs are no longer needed, they generally are summarily euthanized.   The Beagle Freedom Project’s mission is to negotiate for the release of these gentle animals at the end of testing, so that they may be adopted into loving homes.

Although already an admirer of BFP’s work, it was a poignant 2014 rescue video that inspired Mark to dedicate his time, energy and resources to this amazing organization.  He became extensively involved in their efforts to pass the Beagle Freedom Bill in Connecticut (especially after meeting two former lab beagles in person) and, working alongside a handful of other concerned individuals and influential legislators, was able to get the bill passed into law in 2015.  The law requires that all able dogs and cats tested in publicly-funded laboratories be offered up for adoption at the end of the testing protocol.   Since then, Mark has had the pleasure of personally witnessing the moment a rescued animal was released into freedom, greeting them as their paws touched grass and saw sunshine for the first time.   Those special memories and a continued concern for the welfare of these precious, beautiful, innocent creatures, keep Mark committed to the BFP cause.

The American Baroque Orchestra is pleased to announce that it will be collaborating with The Beagle Freedom Project in 2018.    The BFP continues to produce videos of their rescue releases, like the one that inspired Mark.  However, because of copyright restrictions, they are limited to generic soundtracks that do not match the quality of their mission or accomplishments.   ABO is pleased to be recording and providing full-use rights to orchestral clips for BFP videos and other promotional materials to further their worthy cause.

Immediately following our recording session on Jan. 26, 2018, the ABO will host a reception and mini-concert in North Haven, Connecticut, to celebrate our musicians’ participation in this collaborative event and to thank our project donors.  Details to follow.   All members of the public are welcome. We plan to have a few former lab beagles there, as well.  Kevin Chase, vice president of BFP, also will be in attendance. 

For further information, please contact Kevin Sherwin at [email redacted]