Bill > S580

This bill aims to further protect research animals by amending existing laws. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It defines "animal rescue organization" and "product testing facility" to clarify the entities involved. 2. It requires research institutions and product testing facilities to assess the health of dogs and cats used in research or testing and determine if they are suitable for adoption after the completion of the study. 3. It mandates that research institutions and product testing facilities make reasonable efforts to offer dogs and cats suitable for adoption to animal rescue organizations, except in cases where the animal poses a health or safety risk or is provided to an employee of the institution or facility. 4. It specifies that research institutions and product testing facilities are not responsible for any injury, property damage, or other loss resulting from the adoption or placement of a dog or cat under this law. 5. It requires research institutions and product testing facilities to annually report data on the use and disposition of dogs and cats to the Department of Agricultural Resources, which will make the data publicly available.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S580