108th Congress

Pet Safety and Protection

S. 2346

Background

The Laboratory Animal Welfare Act was originally passed in 1966 to protect family pets from unscrupulous animal dealers. Congress has since approved a number of new pet protection provisions as part of what is now known as the Animal Welfare Act. During the past decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased enforcement efforts, putting a number of noncompliant animal dealers out of business. These efforts include frequent inspections of problem dealers and audits of their records.

As provisions to ensure pet safety have been implemented, the numbers of dogs and cats used in research have steadily declined. In 1973, when USDA first began collecting statistics, approximately 195,000 dogs and 66,000 cats were used in research, teaching, and testing. In 1993, those numbers had declined to 106,000 dogs and 34,000 cats. By 2002, the numbers had further declined to some 68,000 dogs and 24,000 cats. These totals represent all dogs and cats, including those supplied by animal breeders, pounds and shelters, and random-source animal dealers. A variety of sources are used to obtain animal models for research on certain genetic diseases, physiological conditions, and problems associated with aging. Some research can be done with any animal; other research requires larger or older animals or those with specific physiological defects, genetic traits, or diseases.

S. 2346 would have reduced the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. The measure was similar to bills previously introduced by Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) in 1996, 1999, and 2001.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

S. 2346 would have prohibited USDA-licensed Class B dealers from selling animals to research facilities and would have required pounds and shelters that provide animals for research to register with USDA. The bill would have also imposed a number of restrictions on individuals donating animals to research.

Status and Outlook

S. 2346 was introduced by Senator Akaka on April 26, 2004. The bill was reported out favorably and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. It had no cosponsors. No further action occurred on this legislation during the 108th Congress.