Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and Representative Aaron Bean have introduced the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act in an effort to end federal animal testing. The proposed legislation aims to redirect funding toward humane research alternatives and ensure that animals previously used in experiments are adopted or placed in sanctuaries.

The bill seeks to ban animal testing in federal labs through a phased approach over three years. It also includes measures for rehabilitating and rehoming former lab animals, with the intention of saving taxpayer dollars while improving research outcomes. According to the legislators, American taxpayers currently spend approximately $20 billion on such experiments both domestically and internationally, including countries like China, Russia, and Iran where safety conditions may be lacking.

Congresswoman Malliotakis expressed her commitment to ending what she described as "cruel and unnecessary spending on animal experiments." She emphasized the importance of promoting humane research alternatives and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money. "I am proud to work alongside Congressman Aaron Bean," said Malliotakis.

Rep. Bean criticized past practices involving animals in federally funded research. "What Fauci did to beagles and other animals is disgusting," he stated, adding his support for the SPARE Act alongside Congresswoman Malliotakis.

The legislation would prohibit various types of testing on animals within federally funded labs, impacting agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S Food and Drug Administration among others. To aid this transition, it proposes funding for non-animal alternative research methods including organ-on-chip technology and AI-driven computational research.

Three exemptions are outlined in the bill:

1. Clinical Veterinary Research: Limited to naturally occurring diseases or injuries in dogs or cats for their direct benefit.

2. Service or Military Animals: Exemptions apply to physical exams, training programs, and related studies.

3. Infectious Disease & National Security Projects: Requires annual congressional approval with efforts demonstrated to minimize animal use.

The bill also ensures that healthy animals from federal research receive adoption opportunities or sanctuary placements following independent veterinary evaluations. This aspect is modeled after Violet's Law, which promotes adoption partnerships with rescues and shelters.

According to proponents of the SPARE Act, more than 70% of Americans support ending taxpayer-funded animal testing. They argue that modern alternatives not only promote fiscal responsibility but also protect animal welfare by proving more effective than outdated methods.