Malliotakis proposes legislation to end inhumane animal testing on federal level

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R – Staten Island/South Brooklyn) is working to pass legislation to end the government testing on animals for medically unnecessary procedures.

“It’s cruel, it’s inhumane, it’s unnecessary, and it’s costly,” Malliotakis, an animal lover, told the Advance/SILive.com. “There’s a way we can save taxpayer money, be humane and protect these animals, as well as focus on modern technologies that can be used for some experimentation.”

The Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act has three exceptions, according to a written statement:

• Clinical Veterinary Research: Limited to naturally occurring diseases or injuries in dogs or cats, studied for the direct benefit of those animals. This ensures veterinarians can continue developing better treatments and care protocols in real-world clinical settings.
• Service or Military Animals: Exempts physical exams, training programs, and studies related to service or military animals. This allows the Department of Defense, law enforcement, and other agencies to continue critical animal-related tasks without violating the bill.
• Infectious Disease & National Security Projects: Subject to annual congressional approval, research teams must demonstrate efforts to minimize animal use and adopt alternatives whenever feasible. This exemption acknowledges that certain urgent public health or national security needs may still require some animal research while maintaining strong oversight.

• According to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, the federal government spends more than $20 billion annually on animal testing both at home and abroad.

  The SPARE Act also “ensure[s] rehoming of retired research animals,” according to the bill.

  The bill has yet to be voted on by Congress.