Dogs and cats come from several different sources: class A dealers, class B dealers, and from pound seizures. The majority of animals used in research are bred specifically for use in either research or educational settings and sold by class A dealers.

Class B dealers are not necessarily breeders, although they may be. These dealers act as brokers, buying or obtaining animals from one source, such as a breeder, a shelter, auctions, newspapers, or stolen pets, and selling them to laboratories for research. Class B dealers often deal with people called “bunchers” to supply their dogs. Bunchers collect dogs from all sources—by answering “free to a good home” ads, capturing strays, and even stealing family pets out of their own backyards. Both class A and class B dealers are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Some laboratory animals are obtained from pound seizures, a practice where animals (primarily dogs and cats) are taken from shelters and placed into research facilities. Minnesota and Oklahoma are the only two states in the United States that have mandatory pound seizure laws, requiring shelters to surrender healthy, adoptable animals to research facilities each year in order to receive state funding. Approximately 13 states have banned the practice of pound seizure.

Certified Inhumane                                                                      Back to Top

The USDA states that class B dealers are legally required to provide proof their animals came from individuals who breed and raise their own animals, other dealers raising their own animals, or a shelter. They are required to have paperwork on every animal in their possession documenting the original source of that animal. Often, however, this paperwork is nonexistent or forged.

Conditions at most class B dealers are unsanitary, with inadequate housing, nutrition, and veterinary care. Disease is a constant problem, with dogs often having diarrhea, heartworm, mange, and fleas. Most class B dealers are unconcerned with the health and safety of animals in transport. Cages are stacked on top of each other and not secured properly; trucks often are not controlled for temperature; and the duration of trip is not regulated properly, if at all.

Unnecessary Subjects                                                             Back to Top

With the number of humane alternatives available to scientists and educators today, the unnecessary practice of breeding, selling, and stealing animals for research becomes more unjustified. Not only are there immeasurable cruelties being committed against these animals, but research based on animals has been repeatedly proven to be unreliable, as it often does not apply to humans. Few research subjects can replicate human responses to scientific testing.

Take Action to Help Animals in Research

What can you do to protect to animals being supplied to research facilities? First, support companies that do not test their products on animals. Fewer companies testing products on animals will mean fewer animals needed for research purposes. Other humane actions include:

• Educate your family and friends on the dangers companion animals face if they are given to some shelters or to strangers.
• Contact your legislators to have them outlaw class B dealers.
• Write to the USDA urging them to monitor closely the source of animals used in research facilities.

 September 2010                                                                            Back to Top