Skip to content
i Still Love Dogs
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

  • News
  • Awww
  • Heroes
  • Grrr
  • Tips
  • Pittie Party
  • About
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

beagle face

Proposed Nevada Law Would Mean Happier Endings for Laboratory Dogs

Laura Goldman, March 25, 2015August 19, 2019

JUNE 23, 2015 UPDATE: Excellent news! Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed this bill into law, and declared June 23 “Beagle Freedom Project Day” in Nevada. The law goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2015. Many thanks to the Beagle Freedom Project, Sen. Mark Manendo and other compassionate lawmakers for their hard work in getting this bill passed.

beagle face

About 65,000 dogs are used in laboratory tests across the U.S. every year. When the tests are completed, most of those dogs are euthanized.

“Let’s move some of these precious babies from incarceration to liberation,” Nevada Sen. Mark Manendo told the Senate Natural Resources Committee during a meeting yesterday, the Associated Press reports.

Manedo and a majority of other Nevada lawmakers are sponsoring a “Beagle Freedom Bill” (SB261) that would require laboratories to give healthy dogs (and cats) to non-profit rescue organizations when the research is done. It also stipulates that an animal can only be used for testing for a maximum of two years.

The bill is supported by the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) , a service of Animal Rescue Media and Education (ARME). Beagles are the most common breed used in laboratory tests, thanks to their sweet and docile temperament.

“Whether or not a dog or cat gets a chance at a life outside of the lab is completely discretionary and often dependent on the volunteer time of a staff member,” said ARME President Shannon Keith at yesterday’s meeting.

Most laboratory staff members choose not to volunteer their time, according to the BFP website.

right to release research animals

It’s not surprising that laboratories are opposed to the bill. They claim it would mean more animals would be needed for testing because of the two-year timeframe.

The Nevada Veterinary Medical Association also opposes the required timeframe, claiming it would limit the testing of long-term effects of drugs and surgical procedures, as well as the ability to study geriatrics. The association also doesn’t see why a law requiring the animals to be adopted is necessary; instead, adoptions could be coordinated via working relationships between laboratories and rescue organizations.

While federal and state laws regulate laboratory animals’ bedding, food and water access, enrichment devices and pain management, until last year there was no legislation regarding what happens to the animals when the research ends.

In 2014, Minnesota became the first state to pass a law requiring that laboratory animals be made available for adoption. Similar laws are also currently being proposed in California, Connecticut and New York.

The Beagle Freedom Project also supports a nationwide federal ban on cosmetic testing on animals.

“After all these animals have endured for human products, pharmaceuticals, and academic curiosities they deserve a chance at a real life!” its website states.

With so many advances in technology, hopefully alternatives can be found in the not-too-distant future, and animal testing will be banned altogether.

Photos via Facebook; Mariano Szklanny

Related

News

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Recent Posts

  • Dogs—Not Cats—May Prevent Babies from Developing Asthma
  • Rest in Paradise, Patrick the Miracle Dog
  • Guide Dog Terrified by Thunder Led Blind Owner to Safety on 9/11
  • Once Again, Adopted Dogs Featured in 2025 Rose Parade
  • 7 Examples That Prove Trump Is Clueless About Dogs

Most “Paw”pular Posts

  • Due to 'Pit Bulls and Parolees' Lawsuit, New Villalobos Sanctuary Planned
  • 5 Reasons Why Jon Stewart Is So Doggone Awesome
  • Frank Sinatra Loved the Ladies...and the Dogs
  • Rape Charges Dropped Against Toney Converse of 'Pit Bulls and Parolees'
  • Leonard Nimoy's L.A. Pet Store Did Not Live Long or Prosper

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Subscribe to i Still Love Dogs

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts. I respect your privacy and will never sell your information.

Privacy Policy

about Laura Goldman
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
©2025 i Still Love Dogs | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish.Got it! Reject Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT