Collins, McSally propose bill permitting retirement, adoption of animals used in federal research

U.S. Sens. Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Susan Collins (R-ME) recently unveiled bipartisan legislation that would give a new leash on life to animals used in federal research.

“There is no reason animals that are suitable for adoption or retirement should be killed by our federal agencies,” Sen. Collins said. 

Sen. Collins on July 30 sponsored the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experimentation and Research (AFTER) Act of 2019, S. 2322, with original cosponsors Sen. McSally and U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), which would amend the Animal Welfare Act to allow for the retirement of certain animals used in federal research, according to the bill’s text.

“Every animal deserves the chance to be adopted into a loving, caring home,” said Sen. McSally. “It’s past time that we give research animals an opportunity to find a new home after they’ve been used in federal research labs.”

If enacted, the measure would ensure that every federal agency that uses animals for research puts policies in place to facilitate the relocation of retired, healthy lab animals to private homes, animal rescue organizations, or reputable sanctuaries, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers’ offices.

Sen. Collins said the bill would continue to build on successful policies instituted at other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Institutes of Health.

The same-named companion bill, H.R. 2897, was introduced in May by U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) in their chamber. More than 30 other lawmakers have joined Rep. Walorski as a cosponsor.