House bill would end federal funding for most animal research

What does this do?

The SPARE Act would prohibit federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients from spending government money on research using warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, primates, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Labs doing cosmetic or basic behavioral testing would have 18 months to comply, while those doing drug testing or biomedical research would have three years. Exceptions exist only for veterinary research directly benefiting a sick or injured animal, studies involving military or service animals, and infectious disease or national security work approved by Congress for no more than one year at a time.

Who does it affect?

Researchers at universities, hospitals, private companies, and government labs that rely on federal funding for animal studies would need to adopt new methods or lose their funding. Animal care workers at research facilities, animal rescue groups, and sanctuaries would be directly involved in receiving animals that labs are required to release.

Why does it matter?

Labs would be required to shift to alternatives such as computer models, human cell-based tests, and organ-on-chip technology, supported by a new Federal Research Modernization Fund housed within the National Science Foundation. Taxpayers who fund this research would see a change in how that money is directed, and organizations that violate the rules face fines up to $250,000 and loss of future federal research funding.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• New fund inside National Science Foundation
• Fines up to $250,000 per violation
• Rule-breakers lose federal research funding