Beagle Liberation Act of 2026

(a) In general. As a condition on receiving Federal funding, a covered research facility, for each companion animal that is no longer needed by the covered research facility for research, testing, breeding, or educational purposes—

(1) shall make reasonable efforts to transfer the companion animal to a qualified animal adoption organization; or

(2) may euthanize, kill, or destroy the companion animal only if a licensed veterinarian certifies that—

(A) a transfer under paragraph (1) is not medically suitable for the companion animal;

(B) such a transfer presents an unreasonable public health or safety risk; or

(C) the companion animal is not reasonably expected to adapt to placement in a home, sanctuary, rescue, or other environment following such a transfer.

(b) Rule of construction. Nothing in this section shall be construed to—

(1) require transfer of a companion animal—

(A) suffering from a terminal or untreatable medical condition resulting in intractable pain or suffering; or

(B) prohibited from transfer by another provision of Federal law, including provisions related to infectious disease, biosecurity, and public health;

(2) require the continuation of research involving a companion animal;

(3) alter standards under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), except as expressly provided in this section; or

(4) create a private right of action against a covered research facility.

(c) Definitions. In this section:

(1) Companion animal. The term companion animal means a live, domesticated canine or feline.

(2) Covered research facility. The term covered research facility means a school, institution, organization, or person (except an elementary or secondary school) that uses or intends to use companion animals for research, testing, breeding, or educational purposes.

(3) Qualified animal adoption organization. The term qualified animal adoption organization means a nonprofit organization, animal shelter, rescue organization, sanctuary, or other entity capable of providing appropriate care and adoption services for companion animals, as determined by the Secretary.

(4) Secretary. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture.

(d) Regulations. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.