H.R. 10522
Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act
Sponsor: Nicholas A. Langworthy
Official summary
Written by the Congressional Research Service.
Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act
This bill prohibits the use of funds made available to covered federal agencies for any biomedical research activity involving a live dog or cat. Covered agencies are agencies or offices within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that award, administer, or expend federal funds for biomedical research.
This prohibition also applies to activities that materially facilitate biomedical research involving a live dog or cat (e.g., salaries, facility maintenance, and administrative support primarily related to such research). It does not apply to transportation and rehousing of animals previously used in biomedical research or observational activities that do not involve alteration of an animal’s normal environment or medical care.
The prohibition applies to federal funds obligated or expended beginning 180 days after the bill is enacted. HHS may waive the prohibition in limited circumstances if necessary to respond to a specified emergency.
Recipients of funding from covered agencies must make reasonable efforts to transfer dogs and cats no longer needed for research to rescue organizations or other appropriate entities. Further, recipients may only euthanize an animal if a veterinarian has determined euthanasia is necessary for animal welfare or public safety.
If HHS determines that a recipient has violated a provision of the bill, it may withhold further funding to the recipient, recover funds expended in violation, and impose other administrative remedies.
Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the bill's implementation within three years after the bill takes effect.
Text of the bill
(a) Annual report to congress. Not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report concerning the implementation of this Act.
(b) Contents. A report under subsection (a) shall include—
(1) the number and type of covered Federal agency funding applications reviewed for compliance with this Act;
(2) the number of certifications received pursuant to section 6;
(3) the number of awards withheld or denied due to noncompliance with this Act;
(4) the number and status of audits, inspections, and investigations conducted under this Act;
(5) the status of dogs and cats previously used in biomedical research and activities to ensure their welfare and encourage their rehoming and adoption;
(6) the total amount of Federal funds recovered under section 8;
(7) a summary of corrective actions implemented by recipients;
(8) a description of guidance issued by the Secretary to implement this Act; and
(9) recommendations, if any, for additional legislative or administrative action.
(c) Public availability. Not later than 30 days after submitting a report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make the report publicly available on the website of the Department of Health and Human Services, except that information protected from public disclosure under Federal law shall be redacted.