After years of PETA pressure, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has prioritized non-animal research and begun to move away from funding experiments on animals. That's a big deal—and it's a step in the right direction.
But NIH is still sending millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars overseas to fund experiments on animals in other countries—with no oversight.
Between 2011 and 2021, NIH gave out $2.2 billion to nearly 200 foreign organizations in 45 countries for experiments on animals. NIH doesn't inspect the labs, doesn't send anyone to check on the animals, and doesn't even verify if the information in grant applications is true. They're basically handing out money and hoping for the best.
That's not just risky, it's irresponsible.
NIH must continue its move toward ethical and effective science, and the next logical step is to end funding for experiments on animals in other countries. And it must be every other country, not just a few.
Take action and politely urge NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to stop funding all experiments on animals in all foreign countries.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya,
I'm writing to respectfully urge you to take the next important step in the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) ongoing efforts to modernize and improve research practices: end the flow of NIH funding to foreign laboratories, which conduct experiments on animals without proper oversight.
In recent months, the NIH has made meaningful progress by prioritizing ethical, human-relevant research methods. These changes are a welcome shift toward smarter, more compassionate science.
However, that wasn't the case before your time at the agency. Between 2011 and 2021, the NIH awarded $2.2 billion to nearly 200 foreign organizations in 45 countries, supporting over 1,100 grants and 180 contracts involving animal testing. The agency does not inspect these labs or require third-party checks to ensure that the most basic animal welfare standards are met. In most—if not all—cases, funds are distributed without verifying the accuracy of grant applications or progress reports.
This lack of accountability puts animals at risk and undermines public trust in the NIH's otherwise commendable efforts.
Please help ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and ethically by ending NIH funding for animal experiments conducted outside the United States.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
[Name]
