Senate Votes On Path For Research Animals To Get Adopted

The state Senate adopted a bill that would a lifeline for cats and dogs that have been subjects in research institutions and product testing facilities. The bill, Senate 2387, An Act Protecting Research Animals, requires that these research labs spare animals from automatic euthanasia and instead offer these dogs and cats for adoption through animal rescue organizations.

“Animals involved in research make a tremendous sacrifice on behalf of our society, and they deserve every opportunity for adoption when their service is completed," said bill sponsor Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R- Gloucester. "This bill provides that chance for a good life for animals that can be adopted safely and without harm to someone who can give them a good and caring home."

“This common-sense legislation protects research animals and ensures that they will receive the dignified care and companionship they deserve, rather than face an early death. As a lifelong animal lover and owner, I am acutely aware of the importance of this bill, and grateful for the advocates and Senators who fought to give voice to those animals who can’t speak for themselves,” said Senate President Karen Spilka, D- Ashland, in a statement. “We have long stood for animal rights in the Massachusetts Senate, including by passing legislation to protect puppies and kittens earlier this year to ensure that animals are bred and sold in safe and health environments.”

The bill specifically provides that:

• Research institutions or product testing facilities that intend to euthanize a dog or cat for any purpose other than scientific, medical or educational research must offer the animal for adoption to an animal shelter, an animal rescue organization or through private placement,
• Animals that poses a risk to the health and safety of the public are exempted,
• No assumption of responsibility or liability for injuries, property damage or other damages or losses shall be incurred by a research institution or product testing facility on account of the adoption or placement of a dog or cat.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics compiled by the PEW Charitable Trust, 80,000 cats and dogs are used for research and experimentation in America each year. Of that total nearly 75,000 are dogs. Due in part to their submissiveness and easygoing nature nearly 60,000 of those dogs are beagles.

The legislation often referred to as the "Beagle Bill," will provide a path toward pethood for more than 1,000 healthy animals that will have a chance at becoming cherished pets.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault