Beagle Liberation Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 10532 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 10532

To require the humane transfer of certain retired research dogs and cats, and for other purposes.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 24, 2026

Mr. Bilirakis (for himself, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Mast, Ms. Mace, and Ms. Malliotakis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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A BILL

To require the humane transfer of certain retired research dogs and cats, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Beagle Liberation Act of 2026''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following: (1) Congress enacted section 3209 of the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-328; 136 Stat. 5821) (commonly known as the ``FDA Modernization Act 2.0'') to encourage scientifically valid alternatives to animal testing and reduce unnecessary reliance on animal testing in the development of drugs and biological products. (2) As the use of animal testing declines, increasing numbers of dogs and cats previously used in research become eligible for retirement from research facilities. (3) Many research facilities already work voluntarily with nonprofit rescue organizations to place retired research animals into permanent homes. (4) Healthy and behaviorally suitable dogs and cats should be afforded an opportunity for adoption whenever practicable. (5) It is in the public interest to encourage the humane treatment and responsible placement of retired research animals.

SEC. 3. HUMANE RETIREMENT OF COMPANION ANIMALS USED IN RESEARCH.

(a) In General.--As a condition on receiving Federal funding, a covered research facility, for each companion animal that is no longer needed by the covered research facility for research, testing, breeding, or educational purposes-- (1) shall make reasonable efforts to transfer the companion animal to a qualified animal adoption organization; or (2) may euthanize, kill, or destroy the companion animal only if a licensed veterinarian certifies that-- (A) a transfer under paragraph (1) is not medically suitable for the companion animal; (B) such a transfer presents an unreasonable public health or safety risk; or (C) the companion animal is not reasonably expected to adapt to placement in a home, sanctuary, rescue, or other environment following such a transfer. (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to-- (1) require transfer of a companion animal-- (A) suffering from a terminal or untreatable medical condition resulting in intractable pain or suffering; or (B) prohibited from transfer by another provision of Federal law, including provisions related to infectious disease, biosecurity, and public health; (2) require the continuation of research involving a companion animal; (3) alter standards under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), except as expressly provided in this section; or (4) create a private right of action against a covered research facility. (c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Companion animal.--The term ``companion animal'' means a live, domesticated canine or feline. (2) Covered research facility.--The term ``covered research facility'' means a school, institution, organization, or person (except an elementary or secondary school) that uses or intends to use companion animals for research, testing, breeding, or educational purposes. (3) Qualified animal adoption organization.--The term ``qualified animal adoption organization'' means a nonprofit organization, animal shelter, rescue organization, sanctuary, or other entity capable of providing appropriate care and adoption services for companion animals, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture. (d) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. <all>