On April 22, 2025, Colorado took a step forward for animals used in research when Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 85, titled Health-Related Research Test Subjects, into law.
This legislation requires health-related research facilities to offer dogs and cats exploited in experiments to shelters or rescues before killing the animals.
“This law will ensure that animals used in health-related research are given the dignity of a second chance,” said one of the bill’s sponsors, Representative Manny Rutinel.
According to the bill, facilities must disclose the number of dogs and cats placed with shelters or rescues, and those adopted through internal programs. The names and locations of the groups taking in the animals must also be reported.
However, this legislation is not without its flaws, as it permits researchers to kill dogs and cats for reasons related to research, health, or safety. And, of course, it does nothing to stop the use of animals in experiments.
Still, that second chance means everything for the cats and dogs who make it out of these research facilities and into loving homes. Their presence in homes may also help open people’s eyes to the trauma they’ve endured and remind us that they are no less deserving of empathy than any other living being.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to the legislators who helped pass this bill, likely preventing many dogs and cats from being killed unnecessarily. We also hope it sets a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures for animals used in research.
