Urging Stronger Protections for Animals Used in Research
Submitted Comments to APHIS
The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted comments to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service requesting it close regulatory loopholes leading to laboratory animals' intense and unnecessary suffering.
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Pushing for Stronger Protections for Animals in Research
In 2015, the Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted comments to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requesting that the agency close regulatory loopholes leading to laboratory animals’ intense and unnecessary suffering. We asked the agency to require research facilities to more fully explore and exhaust alternatives to animal testing, in line with Congress’s intent.
These comments were solicited by APHIS in response to a petition for rule-making filed by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The petition asked the agency to clarify and strengthen regulations implementing federal “Animal protections for animals used in laboratory experiments.
In our comments, the Animal Legal Defense Fund noted the long and persuasive legislative history showing Congress’s intent for animals used in laboratory research to be better protected in these ways under the Animal Welfare Act.
APHIS has thus far failed to act. The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to push for stronger protection for animals used in laboratory experiments through regulatory and legislative change, public awareness campaigns, and lawsuits.
Recent News
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Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges APHIS to Strengthen Regulations Protecting Research Animals
Laboratory animals are still subject to duplicative, unnecessary and painful experimental procedures.July 15, 2015 News -
Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges USDA to Strengthen Regulations for Handling and Exhibiting Wild and Exotic Animals
Recommendations aim to decrease risk of zoonotic disease spread, animal escapes and attacks, and psychological and physical harm to the animalsApril 11, 2023 Press Release -
USDA to Strengthen Tracking of Animal Deaths at Licensed Facilities Following Legal Petition
Animal Legal Defense Fund petition for rulemaking spurs reporting improvements: Forms will be revised to ensure AWA licensees maintain complete records of all animal deaths.December 6, 2022 Press Release
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