Mice are not Animals

      In the Animal Welfare Act passed by Congress mice, rats and birds are excluded as animals to be protected by the Act. Since 95% of creatures used in experiments in laboratories are mice and rats, they suffer most from the cruel effects of experimentation. These rodents are very social beings. They become attached to and communicate with each other and bond with their human companions. They feel pain like any other animal. In laboratories these small creatures are considered so worthless that no experiment or means of death - no matter how painful or cruel - is illegal. Consequently, we the undersigned ask that Congress add mice, rats and birds to the Animal Welfare Act to receive pain relief in experiments and all the benefits and protection that other animals receive through the Animal Welfare Act.