Thousands of dogs and cats are used in research in Australia each year. At the conclusion of their “use” unowned animals may be killed – even though they may be healthy. We believe that these animals should be given the opportunity to live out their lives – by being surrendered to a rescue group where they can undergo rehabilitation (if necessary) and adoption to a loving family.
Video credit: Director/Producer/Editor: Mika Tran from Kin Keeper. Cinematographer: Dan Farmer
For this reason, we are working closely with Beagle Freedom Australia and the Animal Justice Party to implement legislation to make this happen.
In 2013 the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes was updated and the following clause was inserted:
“Opportunities to rehome animals should be considered wherever possible, especially when the impact of the project or activity on the wellbeing of the animal has been minimal and their physiological condition and behavioural attributes indicate that they can be introduced to a new environment with minimal, transient impact on their wellbeing.”
The clause however, does not have any legal standing in that the Animal Ethics Committee need only consider rehoming. There is no legal requirement for them to do so.
The Beagle Freedom Bill has been passed in several states of the U.S. meaning that all tax-payer funded labs must offer their dogs and cats up for adoption through animal rescue organizations instead of just summarily killing as the standard procedure.
NSW has also passed Right to Release Legislation (Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022)
Help us make that happen here!
For this law to pass our Government needs to hear from you!
Click on your state below to sign the relevant petition.
Victoria Petition
Australian Capital Territory Petition
South Australia Petition
Western Australia Petition
Tasmania Petition
Northern Territory Petition
Queensland Petition
View an update on Victorian Taskforce on rehoming.
NSW Right To Release Legislation has been passed! Read more here.
