Lawmakers hear package to expand state oversight of animal testing, require alternatives and increase reporting

Sen. Katie Kramer presented a package of three bills aimed at increasing state oversight of animals used in private research and testing and at accelerating the use of non‑animal testing methods.

The first bill would create a state licensing and inspection program for private research and testing facilities that use animal species not covered by the federal Animal Welfare Act (mice, rats, poultry and fish are typically excluded from USDA oversight). “This bill establishes a state inspector of animal welfare within the Maryland Department of Agriculture, which will license facilities, inspect them every year or every two years for USDA‑registered facilities,” Kathleen Conley of Humane World for Animals testified.

A companion bill would require private testing facilities to use regulator‑accepted non‑animal test methods when they are available and appropriate; it would also prohibit acquisition of dogs and cats from random sources and ban certain painful practices such as devocalization. “This bill will reduce the suffering of dogs, cats, and all animals used for research and testing in Maryland and advance the use of reliable non‑animal test methods,” said Sherman McFarland of the American Anti‑Vivisection Society.

The third bill would increase transparency and enforcement of the state’s existing adoption requirement for healthy dogs and cats used in research, making facilities report annually how many animals were rehomed. “Requiring research and testing facilities to be accountable for reporting how many adoptions they facilitate will incentivize them to adopt out as many eligible animals as possible,” testified Kathleen Conley.

Supporters argued the bills do not impede essential biomedical research but seek to modernize it and reduce unnecessary suffering. Lauren Stein of the National Anti‑Vivisection Society told the committee, “This bill ensures greater transparency and accountability, helping to protect both animals and scientific integrity.” Attorney Kim Fullerton cited accepted alternatives and higher scientific standards as a way to improve results and reduce unnecessary animal use.

Opposition was limited and focused on implementation details and industry concerns. Senator Kramer said licensing fees would fund inspections and that he expects the measures to be phased and implemented in ways that do not interrupt essential research. The committee did not vote on the measures at the hearing.