A historic page for the protection of laboratory animals is written in the United States. Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law the bipartisan bill SB 381, renamed the Beagle Bill (now Act 92 of 2026). Promoted jointly by Republican Senator Doug Mastriano and Democratic Senator Carolyn Comitta, the law received unanimous approval in the state House and Senate, supported by 80% of Pennsylvania voters. The measure responds to activism led by Kristen Tullo, state director of Humane World for Animals, and Emanuele Frongia to bring transparency and civility to scientific research.
The obligation to adopt and the stop to public funding for painful experiments
The central innovation of the Beagle Bill concerns the end of systematic euthanasia for laboratory rats at the end of the experiments. The 12 research facilities in Pennsylvania, which according to USDA data employ over 3,000 dogs and cats (out of a national total of 40,000 dogs and 10,000 cats in 2024), will have to guarantee a minimum period of 30 days to offer suitable animals for adoption. The law also prohibits the use of public funds for painful experiments conducted without pain relief, introduces protection for whistleblowers who report cases of cruelty and provides for blacklisting for one year with suspension of state funding in case of violations.
The stop to tested cosmetics and transparency on research structures
Furthermore, with the entry into force of the provisions starting from January 1, 2027 and April 20, 2027, Pennsylvania becomes the 13th American state to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals and the 18th to guarantee post-research adoption for dogs and cats. Facilities will have to display a direct link to the US Department of Agriculture tool on their channels to allow the public to freely consult inspection reports and annual reports.
As highlighted by Melissa Shusterman, Congresswoman and founder of the Animal Protection Caucus, this is a historic achievement that also inspires the transition promoted by federal agencies such as NIH, FDA and EPA towards alternative testing methods. The approval of this law undoubtedly represents a great and important victory for animal rights; however, the true and definitive victory can only be celebrated when there is a total and absolute stop to the use of any animal in scientific experimentation.
