The United States Congress is working on legislation aimed at reducing animal cruelty in laboratories. U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis is leading this charge by reintroducing the Higher Education Loses Payments for Painful Experiments, Tests, and Studies Act, or the HELP PETS Act. This legislation will end federal funding for colleges and universities that conduct painful and unnecessary testing on dogs and cats. The push to legislate comes after years of investigation by the White Coat Waste Project (WCW) and news coverage exposing the widespread use of taxpayer-funded animal testing at colleges and universities nationwide.
Background of the HELP PETS Act
The HELP PETS Act is a response to the widespread practice of painful experiments on animals at U.S. universities. These experiments, which are often funded by taxpayer dollars, have drawn widespread condemnation as both cruel and unnecessary. The bill aims to hold higher education institutions accountable for their use of animals in research by cutting off federal funding.
Key Provisions of the HELP PETS Act
The HELP PETS Act would stop colleges and universities from receiving taxpayer dollars for any purpose if they continue to conduct cruel animal experiments. That includes experiments inflicted on dogs and cats, who are often the victims of painful procedures with little or no justification or ethical oversight.
Investigations Leading to the HELP PETS Act
White Coat Waste Project investigations have revealed appalling practices at several universities. For example, at the University of Pittsburgh, cats undergo tests for motion sickness involving spinning and electroshocking. The University of California-Irvine, for instance, has performed experiments in which cats’ nerves are severed and zapped with electric pulses to control facial movements.
University of Pennsylvania Experiments
The University of Pennsylvania has been involved in breeding puppies with debilitating genetic diseases for experimental use. Such practices have occurred for decades and emphasize the need for stricter regulation of animal testing.
University of Missouri Experiments
At the University of Missouri, beagle puppies just four months old are infested with hundreds of ticks and deprived of pain relief. These experiments are not only excruciatingly painful but also raise ethical concerns about the treatment of animals in research.
Auburn University Experiments
Auburn University is breeding kittens that are severely ill, suffering from blindness, problems with muscle control, tremors, and premature death. These experiments are part of a disturbing trend of needlessly cruel animal testing in U.S. universities.
Public Opinion on Animal Testing
A significant majority of taxpayers across party lines oppose harmful testing on dogs and cats. This opposition highlights the critical importance of legislation such as the HELP PETS Act to ensure federal funding reflects the values of the American public.
Legislative Progress and Backing
Several organizations have backed Rep. Malliotakis in her attempt to pass the HELP PETS Act. The White Coat Waste Project has been instrumental in exposing abuses and calling for reform. Additionally, there has been progress in cutting federal funding for abusive animal testing in other areas.
Previous Achievements in Curbing Animal Testing
In the past, efforts to reduce animal testing have led to significant changes. For example, the University of California-Davis canceled a plan for deadly kitten experiments and shut down its cat colony following public pressure and investigations.
Impact of the HELP PETS Act
If passed, the HELP PETS Act would have a monumental impact on the use of animals in research throughout U.S. universities. It would not only stop taxpayer funding for cruel experiments but also help encourage institutions to adopt more humane and modern research practices.
Challenges and Future Directions
Although there is momentum behind the HELP PETS Act, challenges lie ahead. The bills must navigate through the legislative process and gain enough support to become law. However, with increasing public attention and bipartisan support, there is optimism about its potential to pass.
The Future of Animal Welfare Law
The HELP PETS Act is an important piece of legislation in the battle against animal cruelty in laboratories. Targeting taxpayer funding hopes to bring about real change in the treatment of animals in research. As public awareness and legislative efforts continue to grow, there is hope for a future where animal welfare is prioritized in scientific research.
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