Bipartisan Majority Opposes Animal Testing Yet Federal Funding Persists

By Meghan Miller | Commentary, Washington Examiner

After years of court hearings, investigations, open rescues, and protests, the notorious beagle breeding and research facility Ridglan Farms has finally agreed to release 1,500 dogs to rescue organizations. This is certainly a win for animals, but the era of animal testing is far from over, particularly because the federal government enables it.

While the Left and Right don’t align on much these days, over 85% of Republicans and Democrats do agree animal testing should be phased out. Notable voices across the political spectrum, including Lara Trump, Tomi Lahren, Dave Portnoy, Jennifer Welch, and groups such as Democracy Now! have spoken out against Ridglan, unequivocally demonstrating both that the public is united on the troubles of animal testing and that existing policy is woefully out of touch with morality.

Government leaders must act swiftly on this rare convergence of public opinion, removing remaining barriers that keep animals in laboratories.

Wisconsin-based Ridglan Farms breeds and sells beagles for biomedical research, though some are experimented on right at Ridglan. The facility’s approximately 2,000 dogs have been subjected to extreme cruelty, including medieval, unnecessary procedures such as the removal of vocal chords, performed by non-veterinarians and without anesthesia or pain control. It’s heartening to know that most of them will soon be freed.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.