Pennsylvania has adopted new animal-testing restrictions requiring eligible animals to be offered a chance at adoption after experiments conclude, giving them a route from laboratory facilities into homes.
Here's what to know
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 381, the Beagle Bill, into law as Act 92 of 2026 after both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously approved it, according to MyChesCo. Its provisions apply to research institutions, cosmetics companies, and animal welfare groups.
Pennsylvania also bars the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals.
More background
U.S. laboratories reported using more than 40,000 dogs and 10,000 cats in 2024, according to USDA data referenced by state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a Chester County Democrat, MyChesCo reported.
In Pennsylvania, 12 facilities reported experimenting on over 3,000 dogs and cats.
The new requirements will affect animal welfare organizations that could help place these animals in homes as well as research institutions.
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Supporters included state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, an Allegheny County Democrat who co-chairs the bipartisan Pennsylvania Animal Protection Caucus. Shusterman founded the caucus and is a fellow co-chair.
What's being done?
Beyond the adoption requirement, research facilities must clearly post a link on their websites to the USDA's Animal Care public search tool, which users can use to find annual reports, inspection findings, and federal enforcement actions tied to regulated facilities.
To qualify for state financial support for experiments involving dogs or cats, a facility must meet federal oversight requirements. An attending veterinarian must provide oversight, and the facility's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee must review and approve research protocols.
Non-animal research methods are also the focus of expansion plans at the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, according to MyChesCo.
"My colleagues and I in the Animal Protection Caucus have spent years advocating for this vital legislation, which gives dogs and cats the chance to be adopted into loving homes after their experiments are over and creates greater transparency in animal testing facilities," Shusterman said.
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at related questions about animal welfare, oversight, and what happens after animals leave institutional care.
• At Utah State, a new vet building opened after 82 naked mole rats died.
• In Southern Oregon, 50 cats rescued from a hazardous home were put up for adoption.
• Petfinder marked its 30th year by flying 100-plus shelter pets from crowded kennels to adopters.
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