Biden Appointee Favors Cat Torture Even as Bipartisan Group Demands End to Animal Testing

Republicans and Democrats have come together in a bid to end taxpayer-funded experiments on dogs and cats. The Preventing Animal Abuse and Waste Act (yes, the “PAAW” Act) will, if enacted,  prevent the National Institutes of Health from conducting or supporting research that causes significant pain and distress to our furry friends.

The legislation is spearheaded by South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace and co-signed by Democrat Jared Moskowitz of Florida. “As an animal lover, I’ve been disturbed to learn the scale and scope of barbaric and unnecessary dog and cat experiments funded by the National Institutes of Health,” Mace said last week. “Americans across the political spectrum have been horrified to learn their tax dollars are being used to subsidize cruelty to thousands of puppies and kittens in labs every year.”

Approximately 62,000 cats and dogs are imprisoned within US labs, most of which are funded by the NIH. An estimated 18,000 of these creatures have been subjected to painful experiments, according to the White Coat Waste Project, one of the animal-rights groups agitating for an end to the cruelties we inflict on our fellow mammals.

Unfortunately some governmental entities want even more animal testing. For example, Biden-appointee Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has asked Congress to approve research on cats that is prohibited under current law. McDonough wanted to implant devices on cats for research he thinks might benefit veteran stroke survivors. His request has not been granted, so far.

The PAAW Act also requires the NIH to report to Congress and the Government Accountability Office to detail all NIH-funded dog and cat experiments including, crucially, assessments of ways to phase them out.

The bill is cosponsored by six representatives, three Democrats and three Republicans.

Photo credit: Takashi Hososhima / Creative Commons