AFTER Act of 2026

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 24Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Summary

**Bill Summary: S 4172 - Research Animal Retirement** This bill would change federal law to allow certain animals used in government research to be retired rather than euthanized when studies end. **What it does:** - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to create retirement options for research animals - Establishes procedures for transitioning healthy animals to sanctuaries, zoos, or other appropriate facilities after research concludes **Who it affects:** - Federal research facilities and their animal subjects - Animal welfare organizations and sanctuaries - Researchers conducting government-funded studies **What would change:** - Research animals that are healthy and suitable for retirement could live out their lives in appropriate facilities instead of being euthanized - Federal agencies would need new protocols for evaluating and placing retired research animals - Facilities accepting retired animals would need to meet specific care standards The bill is currently under review in congressional committee. Currently, most research animals are euthanized when studies conclude, regardless of their health status.

How This Affects You