Bills would safeguard research animals and help facilitate pet adoption

BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) recently participated in an event at the State House sponsored by several animal advocacy groups including MSPCA-Angell and the Humane Society of the United States.

Louie, the four-year-old beagle that served two years of his life as a research animal.

The program, known as Lab Animals Day, attracted more than one hundred legislators and staff. The goal of the advocacy event is to highlight two pieces of legislation relative to animal testing that are currently pending before the Legislature.

In an effort to shift to cruelty-free cosmetics and personal products, the so-called “Alternatives Bill” would prohibit the use of animal testing when non-animal methods are available. The bill, S.505, would support alternative toxicity testing methods such as cell cultures, isolated animal tissues and computer simulations that have proven to be as effective as testing on live animals.

The second piece of legislation, S.534, would help facilitate the adoption of dogs and cats retired from research or testing. The advocacy event at the State House featured a four-year-old beagle named Louie that served as a research animal for two years and has now been adopted into a loving home.

“With current scientific advancements, non-animal tests are more reliable, effective and humane than animal tests,” said Senator Moore. “While many manufacturers already use non-animal test methods, this legislation will help encourage non-animal methods and support adoption opportunities for animals, like Louie, that have been subjected to research and testing. I’m proud to support both bills.”

The legislation is currently before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture for review. To continue tracking both bills, visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.