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Bill gives research animals second chance

Facilities receiving public funds would be required to put test animals up for adoption
May 14, 2018

Dogs and cats used for research in Delaware have a greater chance at adoption under a bill passed May 8. The bill, which awaits Gov. John Carney's signature, would require research facilities that receive public funding to work with private groups or local shelters to place healthy cats and dogs up for adoption.

“I’m honestly amazed that this was even a debate,” said Sen. Jack Walsh, D-Stanton, prime sponsor of the bill. “We have healthy animals that research labs don’t want. We have local shelters that are willing to care for them. We have families that might want to adopt them. It defies reason that anyone would choose to euthanize instead of giving them a second lease on life. If just one of these animals becomes a pet, all of the work that went into this bill will be worth it.”

Joining the Senate May 8 were Gigi and George, two beagles that were adopted after serving as research animals. Beagles are commonly used as research dogs because of their docile personalities, said Gail Thomssen with the Rescue + Freedom Project. She said she supports the bill, known as the Beagle Freedom Bill, to stop research facilities from killing retired animals that could be rehabilitated and adopted by loving families.

“This policy addresses a real deficiency of law, and we are so proud to be able to secure homes for animals that have endured so much suffering. No longer will these dogs and cats be killed once research is over,” she said.

Once Carney signs the bill, Delaware would become the eighth state to pass legislation requiring research groups to adopt out research animals.

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