Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/teddys-law/
Imagine a world where lab-tested animals get a second chance at life, where their journey doesn’t end in a sterile laboratory but continues in the loving arms of a forever family.
Teddy’s Law, introduced in the Michigan Legislature, aims to transform this dream into a reality.
Sponsored by Senator Polehanki and Senator Hertel, this legislation requires research facilities to offer dogs or cats no longer used in research to registered animal shelters located in Michigan for adoption, unless euthanizing the animal is required for health or safety reasons. As the Capital Area Humane Society reports, The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for both research facilities and shelters acting in good faith concerning the animals’ health and physical condition.
Lab animals are subjected to experiments, often involving procedures that can cause pain or distress.
Teddy’s Heroic Rescue
At the heart of Teddy’s Law lies a touching and heroic rescue story. In 2019, more than 30 beagles, including Teddy, found themselves in a precarious situation. As MLive reports, They were being used for testing pesticide at a laboratory near Kalamazoo, Michigan. These innocent beings were on the brink of euthanasia until compassionate souls stepped in.
The rescue of Teddy and his companions marked the genesis of Teddy’s Law. As NBC15 reports, at least 13 states, including Minnesota, Illinois, and Virginia, have already passed similar laws.
Testing may involve exposure to chemicals, drugs, or pathogens to assess their effects.
The Bill’s Objectives: What Teddy’s Law Aims to Achieve
Teddy’s Law is a two-part legislation. Senate Bill 148, sponsored by Senator Polehanki, focuses on research facilities that use dogs and cats. It mandates these facilities to submit an annual report to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding animals adopted during the preceding year. The bill also establishes civil penalties for non-compliance with adoption standards. Senate Bill 149, introduced by Senator Hertel, is equally critical. It obligates research laboratories to first offer animals, which would otherwise face euthanasia, to registered shelters for adoption before considering any other options.
Alternatives to animal testing, such as in vitro studies and computer modeling, are being developed.
The Opposition: Challenges on the Road to Compassion
While Teddy’s Law embodies a noble cause, it faces opposition from certain quarters. As NewsNow reports, the Animal Health Institute, a trade group representing veterinary medicine companies, and Charles River Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company operating a facility where Teddy was rescued, have expressed concerns. Charles River Laboratories opposes new state reporting requirements, citing concerns about mandatory annual reports on animals and their release.
The bill’s language, according to opponents, doesn’t provide facility veterinary staff with enough discretion to disqualify animals for adoption, especially when behavior issues are involved.
Efforts are ongoing to improve the transparency and reporting of animal research.
Teddy’s Law in Action: From Bill to Law
For those unfamiliar with the legislative process, passing a bill can be a complex journey. Here’s a simplified overview from the Michigan Legislature of how Teddy’s Law can potentially become a reality:
- Bills Are Introduced: A legislator crafts a bill addressing a specific issue, like Teddy’s Law, often based on input from constituents.
- Bills Are Referred to a Committee: Bills are referred to legislative committees for review. Not all bills make it out of committee discussions.
- Bills Are Discussed by a Committee: Committee members engage in discussions and may hold public hearings for input.
- Committee Action: Committees vote on bills, making recommendations for passage, changes, or further review.
- Floor Action: Bills approved by committees move to the full House or Senate for voting.
- Step 2-5 All Over Again: Bills need to pass both chambers and be identical in language.
- The Governor Decides: The Governor can veto or sign the bill into law.
Animal welfare organizations advocate for better treatment and the reduction of animal testing.
Hope for Lab-Tested Animals
Teddy’s Law has the potential to transform the lives of lab-tested animals in Michigan. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and want to support this cause, you can take action. Your voice can make a significant impact on the lives of countless animals, just like Teddy, who deserve a chance at a loving home.
Click below and bring hope to countless animals, just like Teddy, who deserve a chance at a loving home.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
