Beagle Liberation Act of 2026

Retirement rules for lab dogs and cats

If enacted, research facilities that get Federal funding would need to try to transfer every dog or cat no longer needed for research, testing, breeding, or education. They would have to make reasonable efforts to transfer animals to a qualified adoption organization. A facility could only euthanize an animal if a licensed veterinarian certifies that transfer is medically unsuitable, creates an unreasonable public health or safety risk, or the animal is unlikely to adapt to placement. The rule would not apply to elementary and secondary schools, would not force continued research, and would not create a private right of action. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, with the Secretary of Agriculture, would have to write regulations within one year after enactment.