S-0415.1

SENATE BILL 5212

BySenators Palumbo, Wilson, L., Rolfes, Mullet, Wilson, C., Hunt, and Kuderer

AN ACT Relating to adoption of dogs and cats used for science or research purposes; and adding a new section to chapter 16.52 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 16.52 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A higher education research facility that receives public money, including tax-exempt status, or a facility that provides research in collaboration with a higher education facility that uses dogs or cats for scientific or research purposes and plans on euthanizing a dog or cat used for scientific or research purposes, must first offer a dog or cat for adoption. Upon conclusion of the dog's or cat's use for scientific or research purposes, the dog or cat must first be deemed suitable for adoption by the facility's attending veterinarian or other animal health professional pursuant to guidelines of the American veterinary medical association. Once the dog or cat has been deemed suitable for adoption, the dog or cat may be transferred to a licensed animal rescue organization or adopted out through the facility's established adoption program. A facility that offers dogs or cats to a licensed animal rescue organization under this section may enter into an agreement to facilitate adoptions.

(2) For the purposes of this section, "licensed animal rescue organization" means any nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of rescuing animals in need and finding permanent adoptive homes for the animals.

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