Bill Overview
Title: Humane Retirement Act
Description: This bill requires animal care committees at certain federal agencies conducting biomedical or behavioral research to make reasonable efforts to find parties to adopt dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs that have been retired from research. Prior to euthanizing, the animal care committee must assess the temperament of any such animal to determine whether it is suitable for adoption and, if so, make reasonable efforts to arrange for an adoption.
Sponsors: Rep. Rice, Kathleen M. [D-NY-4]
Target Audience
Population: People involved with or affected by the adoption of retired research animals
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill affects animals used in biomedical and behavioral research, specifically dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, as it ensures they are considered for adoption after their service.
- Researchers and staff at federal agencies conducting this type of research will have to follow new procedures.
- Animal shelters, rescue organizations, and potential adopters will be impacted as they become potential caretakers for these animals.
Reasoning
- The majority of people directly impacted by this policy are those working at federal research institutions, animal rights advocates, and those involved in animal rescue and adoption services.
- Since this policy impacts thousands of research animals, there is a need to account for costs associated with temperament assessment, logistical arrangements for adoption, and potential adjustments to research protocols.
- Consideration is also necessary for public perception and potential shifts in animal welfare advocacy, as there may be increased public support or scrutiny of these federal agencies.
- Some individuals not directly involved in research could also be affected as potential adopters, impacting their wellbeing as they gain new companions.
- The policy may raise awareness among the general population about the fate of research animals, potentially affecting societal attitudes towards animal research.
Simulated Interviews
Animal Rights Advocate (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a step in the right direction for animal welfare. It's important that we recognize the value of these animals beyond their research utility.
- Connecting retired research animals with loving homes is crucial and should have been standard practice long ago.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Biomedical Researcher (Research Triangle, NC)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I understand the policy's intentions, it could complicate research efforts and extend project timelines.
- We need to ensure that this policy doesn't disrupt essential research that benefits human health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Vet Tech at a Veterinary Clinic (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled to see this policy; it will definitely lead to better lives for these animals and help them find loving homes.
- I've seen the positive change adopted research animals can bring to their new families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Animal Shelter Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will likely increase our intake but is manageable with proper support and funding.
- Our community is always looking for adoptable pets, and this will help meet that need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student in Behavioral Research (Seattle, WA)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone studying animal behavior, the policy resonates with me ethically, but I worry about its practicality.
- Ensuring proper care post-research is essential but needs to be balanced with scientific goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Volunteer at Animal Rescue Organization (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with what we preach and practice at the rescue. It's high time it became commonplace.
- Adopting research animals can save lives both ways - for the animal and the adopter.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retiree and Local Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law will make it easier for folks like me to add to our furry family.
- Animals from research backgrounds have much love to give, and this could mean more families get the chance to experience that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public School Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an excellent initiative to teach compassion to students by highlighting how we treat animals used in research.
- I hope this inspires similar measures for other animals not covered by this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Animal Behaviorist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy may create new opportunities to apply humane methods like behavior training to ensure smooth transitions for adapted animals.
- While it appears administratively demanding, it has the research community's best at heart.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Pet Owner and Graphic Designer (New York City, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives these animals a second chance; my pet was adopted from a research facility and has been incredible.
- We must ensure continued support and information for adopters to address any special needs these pets might have.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
Year 3: $2100000 (Low: $1600000, High: $3100000)
Year 5: $2200000 (Low: $1700000, High: $3300000)
Year 10: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3600000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4200000)
Key Considerations
- There is uncertainty surrounding the number of animals that will be deemed adoptable versus those traditionally euthanized.
- Costs are heavily influenced by the efficiency of partnerships with local animal adoption services.
- Potential demand for adopted animals could vary widely depending on geographic and demographic factors.