WATCH Act Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2023
The implementation of SB2397 would primarily affect foreign laboratories involved in animal research that receive funding from entities like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These labs would need to adhere to a strict compliance regime, subject to regular inspections by an authority designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Should a laboratory fail to meet the required standards, the bill outlines a process for corrective action and, if necessary, suspension of federal funding. This could lead to improved conditions for animals used in research and increased accountability for laboratories operating internationally.
Senate Bill 2397, known as the Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2023 (WATCH Act), aims to enhance the oversight of foreign laboratories conducting biomedical and behavioral research. The bill mandates that any foreign lab receiving federal funds for animal research must undergo quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards defined in the Public Health Service Act. This legislative measure is a response to ongoing concerns about animal treatment in research settings outside the United States.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB2397 may include concerns over the practicality and feasibility of enforcing such stringent inspection protocols on foreign entities. Critics may fear that these requirements could stifle international cooperation in the field of biomedical research and present logistical challenges. Advocates for animal rights may support the bill, emphasizing the need for elevation in animal welfare standards globally, while some stakeholders in the research community may argue against potential bureaucratic barriers and implications for research progress.