Federal labs would rehome research dogs, cats, and primates
In committeeH.R. 3246Latest action
Sponsor: Nancy Mace · Representative · SC
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Violet’s Law
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Federal agencies that use lab animals must create adoption programs for dogs, cats, primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits no longer needed for research.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 3246, called Violet's Law, requires every federal agency that uses animals in research labs to set up an adoption or placement program within one year of becoming law. The program covers dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits. Before any animal can be placed, a licensed vet must examine it within ten days and confirm it poses no health risk to people, other animals, or itself.
Who does it affect?
This law affects federal agencies that run animal research facilities and the animals housed in those facilities. Eligible animals can go to individual adopters, shelters, registered nonprofit rescue organizations, or registered nonprofit sanctuaries that provide lifetime care and do not breed, sell, or use animals for performances or painful research.
Why does it matter?
Without this law, federal agencies have no required process for rehoming research animals once their research use ends. This bill creates a consistent, health-screened pathway for those animals to leave laboratory settings.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 7, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 7, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.