Bill Could Result In More Adoptions Of Research Animals

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Legislation approved by Maryland lawmakers may give more animals used for scientific research a chance at being adopted as pets.

Under legislation passed Friday, researchers will have to take reasonable steps to offer dogs and cats for adoption once they are no longer needed for research.

The Baltimore Sun reports that research institutions would have to establish private placement processes for animals no longer needed, or to establish relationships with animal rescue organizations.

Similar bills have failed in recent years amid opposition from institutions including Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland.

But Hopkins supported the current measure after it was revised to eliminate a requirement that it report on animal adoptions to the state and allow researchers to continue adoption arrangements they have already established.

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