Program Term Archive
Strengthening Laws, Regulations, and Enforcement
Rats, Mice, and Birds
Animals in LaboratoriesThe US does not include within its animal welfare laws and regulations the rats, mice, and birds who are bred for use in research. The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA)...
Nonhuman Primates
Animals in LaboratoriesAccording to the US Department of Agriculture, in 2023 (the most recent year for which figures are available), the number of nonhuman primates (hereafter, “primates”) used in research, testing, and...
Strengthening Laws, Regulations, and Enforcement
Animals in LaboratoriesIn the United States, the use of animals in research and testing is governed by a complex system of laws, regulations, and guidelines. Which rules apply, and who oversees their...
Pet Safety and Protection Act
Animals in Laboratories, Companion AnimalsThe Pet Safety and Protection Act aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to ensure that all dogs and cats used by research facilities are obtained legally. It has been...
New Analysis: Animal Welfare Act Enforcement Deteriorates Following SCOTUS Ruling
Press ReleaseOctober 8, 2025Animals in LaboratoriesThe US Department of Agriculture, long known for its lackluster enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), appears in recent years to have drifted even further away from enforcement efforts....
Beagle Breeder Under Investigation
Animals in LaboratoriesRidglan Farms, one of two remaining US breeders of beagles for research (and the country’s second largest dog breeder overall), faces grave allegations of animal cruelty following release of footage...
Life After the Lab
Animals in Laboratories, Companion AnimalsInitiatives to encourage adoption or sanctuary placement of animals whose time in the laboratory has come to an end have gained traction across the country at both state and federal...
Primates In Context: An Outsized Demand for Monkeys Reshapes the Research Landscape
Animals in LaboratoriesA number of recent articles in the AWI Quarterly have addressed issues related to the use of nonhuman primates in research: from an alleged international monkey-laundering scheme, to a research industry bid...
Administration Persists with Deconstruction of Animal Welfare Act
Animals in LaboratoriesThe dismantling of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by the USDA continues unabated. The entire program—inspections, long-standing policies, and enforcement—is in shambles, leaving animals with virtually no protection. And gleaning...