S 4172
A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to allow for the retirement of certain animals used in Federal research, and for other purposes
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.