Senate passes bill limiting public funds for most painful dog and cat experiments

The Oregon Senate passed Senate Bill 181 A on April 16, a measure that prohibits the use of public funds for laboratory experiments on dogs and cats that fall into the two highest pain-and-distress categories for animal testing, with limited exemptions for veterinary research.

Sponsor Senator Broadman argued the bill would ensure taxpayers are not funding the most painful experiments on household pets while preserving narrow exemptions for veterinary research. ‘‘Senate bill 181 just ensures that Oregonians' tax dollars aren't used to facilitate the most painful experiments on dogs and cats,’’ Broadman told the chamber.

Senator Robinson spoke in opposition, saying he supports animal welfare but cautioned that restricting public funding for some types of animal research could slow medical advances. ‘‘Animal experimentation is very important for advancing medicine ... I think we should let the universities handle how they do these standards,’’ Robinson said.

Floor discussion was brief. No floor amendments were offered. The roll call showed the measure received sufficient support to be declared passed by the clerk on the third reading.

Proponents characterized the bill as striking a balance between encouraging scientific research and limiting the use of public funds for experiments that impose the highest levels of pain and distress on dogs and cats. The bill does not currently affect federally funded research in Oregon, the sponsor said on the floor.

Senate Bill 181 A will move forward in the legislative process after passage on the floor.