SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5212
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 13, 2019
Title: An act relating to adoption of dogs and cats used for science or research purposes.
Brief Description: Concerning the adoption of dogs and cats used for science or research purposes.
Sponsors: Senators Palumbo, Wilson, L., Rolfes, Mullet, Wilson, C., Hunt and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/05/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background: The federal Animal Welfare Act of 1966 governs the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard.
Each institution of higher education or research center which maintains a practice related to animal research must operate an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. At least one member of the IACUC must be a veterinarian with the responsibility for providing care to the animals used in research and one must be a public member not affiliated with the institution in any way other than performing IACUC duties.
The University of Washington, Washington State University, as well as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, among others, currently conduct animal research.
Summary of Bill: A higher education institution research facility that receives public funds, including tax exempt status, or a facility conducting research in collaboration with a higher education facility, and confines dogs or cats for science or research purposes, must first offer the animal for adoption through a rescue organization before destroying the animal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill ensures that animals that are used for research purposes are not euthanized when they are done with research and instead go to adoptive homes. There are a lot of institutions already doing this in practice and this ensures that is now law. We have a robust animal research and care facility and use animals in those research endeavors. We currently have an adoption program in place and can make this work. This bill can completely change the lives of those dogs and cats and the families that they will be adopting. The animals deserve a loving home and this bill helps give them that.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ian Goodhew, University of Washington, UW Medicine; Dan Paul, The Humane Society of the United States; Jane Maxson, citizen; Chris Mulick, Washington State University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.