The Research Animal Retirement Act would require labs to offer retired research cats and dogs to qualified adoption and animal welfare organizations instead of euthanizing them. Thousands of healthy cats and dogs are killed each year at the conclusion of animal research despite the fact that many make great pets. This bill would give New York's lab cats and dogs a second chance at life on the outside.
Dear Governor Cuomo,
An estimated 26 million animals are used in research annually, with tens of thousands of dogs and cats among them. When researchers conclude a study or trial, they typically kill their subjects, even if they're perfectly healthy. The Research Animal Retirement Act would require publicly funded institutions to offer their animals to adoption organizations at the conclusion of all studies if they're healthy and pass a veterinarian's inspection. This would allow these cats and dogs, many of whom make loyal, loving, and gentle pets, a second chance at life.
Please sign this bill into law for the benefit of New York's animals, and join a handful of trend-setting states in creating model legislation for Americans concerned about animal welfare.
Thank you.
