Us Congress House Bill HB456

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25

Caption

Protecting Dogs Subjected to Experiments Act This bill prohibits the National Institutes of Health from funding biological, medical, or behavioral research that involves testing dogs.

Impact

Should HB 456 be enacted, it would have a direct impact on how research involving canines is funded and conducted. By eliminating federal financial support for such studies, the bill could prompt researchers to seek alternative methods or species for testing, or could slow down the research progress in areas where canine testing is deemed necessary. This change is significant for institutions that rely on NIH funding for various projects, potentially reshaping the landscape of biomedical and behavioral research in the U.S.

Summary

House Bill 456 seeks to prohibit federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in conducting any biological, medical, or behavioral research that involves testing on dogs. The primary aim of this legislation is to protect dogs from experimental procedures that may cause harm or distress, reflecting a growing sentiment against animal testing in biomedical research. This bill represents a significant step in the broader movement towards the humane treatment of animals within research contexts.

Contention

The bill is likely to face contention within the legislative sphere, particularly from stakeholders in the scientific community who argue that testing on dogs is critical for certain breakthroughs in medicine and public health. While proponents emphasize ethical considerations and advocate for animal rights, opponents may highlight the importance of canine research in understanding human diseases and developing new treatments. This dichotomy presents a challenge in balancing ethical practices against the potential benefits derived from such research.

Congress_id

119-HR-456

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-01-15