The Impact of Health-Related Research on Animals
Dogs and cats used in health-related research, such as those found in Colorado State University’s animal testing facilities, are often subjected to inhumane treatment and neglect. To address this, a new Colorado law, known as Senate Bill 85, requires health-related research facilities to adopt out the animals before euthanizing them. The law, signed into effect by Governor Jared Polis, ensures that animals used for research will be given the opportunity to find a forever home. This is a significant step towards promoting compassion and reducing animal suffering.
Key Provisions of the Law
- Facilities must offer a dog or cat to an animal shelter or a pet animal rescue for the purpose of adoption before euthanizing the animal.
- Facilities must report how many dogs and cats they send to animal shelters or adopt out through internal programs every year.
- Researchers can still euthanize dogs and cats for research, health or safety reasons, according to the bill.
“From now on, dogs and cats that are subjects to scientific research in Colorado will be valued for their service and given the opportunity to find a forever home,”
— Governor Jared Polis
Support for the Law
Humane World for Animals, previously known as The Humane Society of the United States, was a key advocate for the bill. Aubyn Royall, state director of the organization, said that they supported the law because it ensures that animals used in health-related research are given a second chance. Aubyn Royall emphasized that the law is a significant step forward in promoting compassion and reducing animal suffering. She noted that while some animals used in research may not be suitable for adoption, others would make great pets and deserve a second chance.
Non-Animal Testing Methods
The law also reflects a growing trend in the scientific community, where organizations are seeking out non-animal testing methods for medical devices and medications. Aubyn Royall said that she’s seeing a shift in public perception of animal test subjects and more organizations are embracing non-animal testing methods.
“Just covering two species made it a little more straightforward. While we recognize some of these animals would not be good for a home… some of them would make great pets and deserve that second chance.”
— Aubyn Royall
Implementation and Reporting
The law requires facilities to report how many dogs and cats they send to animal shelters or adopt out through internal programs every year. This reporting mechanism will help track the effectiveness of the law and ensure that facilities are complying with the new regulations.
Impact on the Scientific Community
The implementation of Senate Bill 85 is expected to have a significant impact on the scientific community, particularly in the field of health-related research. The law provides a framework for facilities to adopt out animals before euthanizing them, which may lead to a reduction in animal suffering and an increase in animal adoptions.
Examples of Facilities Affected
- Colorado State University’s animal testing facilities
- Inotiv and High Quality Research facilities in Fort Collins
These facilities are among those that use dogs and/or cats for research, and they will be required to comply with the new regulations outlined in Senate Bill 85.
Conclusion
The new Colorado law, Senate Bill 85, marks a significant step towards promoting compassion and reducing animal suffering. By requiring health-related research facilities to adopt out animals before euthanizing them, the law provides a framework for facilities to prioritize animal welfare and promote pet adoption. The law reflects Colorado’s commitment to compassion and encourages pet adoption in general. As the scientific community continues to seek out non-animal testing methods, this law provides a framework for facilities to prioritize animal welfare and promote pet adoption.
