Advocates Urge Ban on State Funding for Animal Experiments Under S.2117

Drew McCormick, representing Animal Defenders International, testified in support of Senate Bill S.2117, which would prohibit use of state funds for experiments on animals and require humane rehoming of animals used in state‑funded research. McCormick cited international and U.S. figures on laboratory animal use and described modern non‑animal scientific methods as preferable. "An estimated 4 animals die every second in experiments around the world... Advanced non animal techniques are faster, more accurate and of more direct relevance to humans," McCormick said, and urged lawmakers to adopt S.2117. Testimony referenced a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration roadmap discussing reduction of animal testing and argued that non‑animal alternatives (organ‑on‑a‑chip, 3‑D cell cultures, computer modeling) should be adopted. Discussion only: committee members listened and did not take a formal vote during the session. Why it matters: the bill would restrict state funding for a broad set of animal research and require rehoming; proponents argued for scientific and ethical reasons and cited federal planning documents calling for reductions in animal testing.