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S. 4172119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Mar 24, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
S 4172 would require federal research facilities to find homes or sanctuaries for healthy retired lab animals within 90 days of enactment.
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S 4172 amends the Animal Welfare Act to require federal research facilities to establish retirement procedures within 90 days of the law passing. Healthy animals cleared by a licensed veterinarian could be placed with rescue organizations, shelters, sanctuaries, or private adopters. Non-human primates must go to sanctuaries rather than private homes, and common lab rats and mice are not covered.
Employees and administrators at federal research facilities would be responsible for creating and following the new retirement procedures. Qualifying rescue groups and sanctuaries nationwide could receive retired animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and primates.
Currently no federal requirement exists for what happens to lab animals after research ends. The bill creates a defined pathway that includes national placement searches and specific standards qualifying organizations must meet, such as prohibitions on selling, breeding, public contact, or use of animals in performances.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)