H.R. 10532: Beagle Liberation Act of 2026

This bill would require certain federally funded research facilities to try to place retired research dogs and cats with animal adoption organizations instead of simply disposing of them.

What animals are covered

The bill applies to live, domesticated dogs and cats used by a covered research facility for research, testing, breeding, or educational purposes.

What the bill would require

For each covered animal that is no longer needed, the facility would have to make reasonable efforts to transfer the animal to a qualified adoption organization, such as a nonprofit rescue, shelter, sanctuary, or similar group approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

When euthanasia or destruction would still be allowed

The bill would allow a facility to euthanize, kill, or destroy an animal only if a licensed veterinarian certifies one of the following:

• the animal is not medically suitable for transfer;
• the transfer would create an unreasonable public health or safety risk; or
• the animal is not reasonably expected to adapt to a home, sanctuary, rescue, or similar environment.

The bill also says it would not require transfer if the animal has a terminal or untreatable condition causing intractable pain or suffering, or if other federal laws prohibit transfer, including laws related to infectious disease, biosecurity, or public health.

What the bill would not do

• It would not require a facility to continue using an animal in research.
• It would not change most existing Animal Welfare Act standards, except where this bill specifically says otherwise.
• It would not create a private right of action, meaning people could not sue a facility under this bill on that basis alone.

Administration and rules

The bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to issue regulations within one year to carry out the law.

Relevant Companies

None found