Allowing Adoption of Animals Retired from Federal Research Facilities
This law requires federal research facilities to establish procedures for the adoption of animals no longer needed for experiments, provided they are deemed mentally and physically healthy. This change ensures that animals like dogs, cats, and nonhuman primates used in government laboratories can be placed in permanent homes, shelters, or specialized sanctuaries. The goal is to provide these animals with a dignified retirement after their role in research concludes.
Key points
Federal laboratories must create rules to facilitate the placement of suitable animals with rescue organizations, shelters, or private individuals intending to keep them as pets.
Nonhuman primates must be placed specifically in registered animal sanctuaries that offer lifetime care and prohibit public interaction.
The law applies to most animals used in federal research but specifically excludes rats and mice of the genus Rattus and Mus.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_707
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Process start date: 2023-03-08