Bill > HR1802

This bill, known as the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics Act (SPARE Act), aims to prohibit the use of animals in federally funded research by establishing comprehensive restrictions and alternative approaches. The legislation recognizes that millions of animals are currently used in research annually, and seeks to transition to more advanced, non-animal research methods like human-cell-based models and artificial intelligence. The bill prohibits federal departments, agencies, contractors, and grantees from engaging in animal research, with some specific exceptions for veterinary research, military or service animal studies, and research related to infectious diseases or national security (which would require congressional authorization). The bill provides a phased implementation, with an 18-month delay for cosmetic and behavioral research and a three-year delay for biomedical and drug testing. To facilitate this transition, the bill establishes a Federal Research Modernization Fund to provide grants for developing non-animal research methods and support training and collaboration. Additionally, the bill mandates an Animal Release Program requiring research facilities to rehome animals through rescue organizations, sanctuaries, or shelters, with veterinary certification and quarterly reporting. The legislation includes potential civil penalties up to $250,000 for violations and requires annual audits and congressional hearings to ensure compliance, ultimately aiming to modernize research practices and reduce animal experimentation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1802/all-info