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119-hr-233119th CongressWALLET

HELP PETS Act

Sponsored By: Representative Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

Introduced

Summary

Prohibits federal funds to colleges and universities that conduct painful research on dogs or cats. This bill would bar institutions of higher education from receiving federal money for research that inflicts pain on dogs or cats, with the ban taking effect 180 days after enactment and two narrow exceptions described below.

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  • Painful research is defined by the Department of Agriculture's pain categories D and E, so studies in those categories on dogs or cats would be targeted and lose federal support. Clinical veterinary research that treats a dog or cat with a naturally occurring disease or injury and aims to benefit that animal is allowed.
  • Training, physical exams, and studies related to service animals or military animals are exempted and may still receive federal support.
  • The restriction applies to any federal funds made available to an institution, including programs financed directly or indirectly by federal money.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ban federal funds for painful pet research

This bill would prohibit, starting 180 days after enactment, making Federal funds available to any institution of higher education that conducts or funds painful research on dogs or cats. It would define "painful research" as research the Department of Agriculture classifies in pain category D or E. The bill would keep two narrow exceptions: clinical veterinary research that treats a dog or cat with a real disease or injury and studies that benefit that animal, and any physical exam, training program, or study about service animals or military animals. "Institution of higher education" would have the meaning given in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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