'We would really like to see dogs in testing a thing of the past,' U.S. Humane Society Indiana on 2023 goals

The U.S. Humane Society of Indiana is looking ahead to the 2023 legislative session.

Samantha Chapman, U.S. Humane Society, Indiana State Director, said a focus will be on lobbying for more humane animal testing laws with the goal of eliminating it altogether.

“We would really like to see dogs in testing a thing of the past. Although, you know, we understand that the FDA has a role to play here. So, it's not just a state issue, but really hoping to encourage these labs and facilities to find non animal methods,” Chapman said.

The U.S. Humane Society helped transfer 4,000 beagles from a research facility in Cumberland, Virginia earlier this year after more than 70 animal welfare violations were uncovered at the Envigo breeding facility.

“We worked with our shelter partners at Humane Indiana and at Humane Fort Wayne to take approximately 79 beagles. And those dogs are doing well. They all have found loving homes,” Chapman said. “And we're very excited that those dogs will not have a future of living in labs or as breeding dogs to be used in research, but instead are learning how to be dogs and living in loving homes.”

An investigation at the Inotiv Mount Vernon, Indiana facility also noted several concerns related to veterinary care in violations of the Animal Welfare Act with dogs, monkeys and pigs. “And because of that and the Envigo 4,000 beagles were really hoping to push legislation this coming session that would address dogs and testing in Indiana, and I really think it's brought the limelight to this issue,” Chapman said

Chapman said there are more than 60,000 dogs across the country that are used for testing in research facilities.