Bills incentivizes adoption of, requires annual reports on dogs and cats used in animal testing prior to euthanasia
NOTE: Photo attached and included below.
LANSING, Mich. (June 28, 2023) — Today in Lansing, lawmakers passed Senate Bills 148 and 149 out of the Senate Chamber. This package of bills, sponsored by Sens. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), is known as “Teddy’s Law,” which would require that cats and dogs used in animal testing are offered for adoption rather than being euthanized following their time in the lab.
“I am grateful to all the advocates and animal lovers throughout the state who have kept the momentum going on these bills throughout the years,” said Sen. Hertel. “Today’s vote is another step in getting this legislation across the finish line and to the governor’s desk.”
Senate Bill 149, sponsored by Sen. Hertel, provides the requirement for dogs and cats used in testing to be adopted out through a registered animal shelter. It also holds both shelters and research facilities harmless, provided they have acted in good faith with the act.
Senate Bill 148, sponsored by Sen. Polehanki, provides the reporting requirements for facilities to send to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) annually. It also specifies the fines able to be levied by MDARD for failure to comply, which scale with both the number of animals being used in testing and previous violations of the act.
Teddy, the beagle for whom the bills are named, was adopted by St. Clair Shores Councilmember David Rubello. Councilman Rubello testified on the bill in the Senate Committee on June 6.
“People really respond well to Teddy,” Councilman Rubello said. “It’s one thing to hear about the bills in theory, but when you have a chance to meet one of the lab beagles and see the type of life they’re able to live once they’ve been adopted, it’s hard to say no to giving other animals this chance.”
At least 13 states, including Minnesota, Illinois, and Virginia, have passed similar legislation. Additionally, there are several research facilities across the United States that have instituted successful adoption programs for dogs, cats, and other animals.
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