Beagle Liberation Act of 2026

This bill would require research facilities that receive federal funding to make reasonable efforts to transfer dogs and cats they no longer need for research, testing, breeding, or education to a qualified animal adoption organization. A facility could euthanize such an animal only if a licensed veterinarian certifies that transfer is not medically suitable, poses an unreasonable public health or safety risk, or that the animal is not expected to adapt to a new home or setting. The bill does not require transfer of animals with terminal or untreatable conditions causing intractable pain, or animals barred from transfer by other federal law, and it does not let individuals sue facilities. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, consulting with the Secretary of Agriculture, would decide which organizations qualify and would issue rules within one year.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Gus M. Bilirakis Republican sponsor
• 5 cosponsors