July 15, 2019
This year, dogs and cats who have spent most of their lives in laboratories and research facilities may get a chance at a “normal” life thanks to NY Rep. Kathleen Rice, who spear-headed the bill entitled “The Humane Retirement Act” or H.R. 2850. The bill, which was introduced in Congress just two months ago, would require federal research agencies to help retired research animals live out the rest of their lives in the comfort of a forever home rather than be euthanized.
In the animal research world, most animals who are used in laboratory testing and research are euthanized when the facilities no longer have use for them. After years of trauma and suffering, even the healthiest of dogs and cats are not given a second chance at a happy life. Legislators are finally beginning to stand up against this senseless cruelty by pushing this new bill, which is just in its beginning stages.
Although NHES supports a future in which NO animal is exploited in laboratories, the passage of The Humane Retirement Act would be a huge step in the right direction. For more information about the inhumane treatment of animals in research, please visit our Animals and Science page.
Take Action: Please write to your representatives and ask them to support H.R. 2850 The Humane Retirement Act. Click here to find your local representative. Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless!