Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) is set to reintroduce the Violet legislation, which aims to protect dogs rescued from government-funded experimental labs through the efforts of the White Coat Waste Project (WCW). This bill would mandate that all federal labs retire and find homes for animals.
The reintroduction follows a bipartisan effort that stalled in 2023.
According to the Medical Watchdog and Animal Rights Group, more than 40,000 animals are held in federal labs annually.
Traditionally, these labs often resort to euthanizing animals—even those that are healthy and suitable for adoption—rather than allowing them to be adopted or placed in sanctuaries. It’s easier for them that way. Yet, surveys indicate a strong public desire, with 71% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans supporting the retirement of these lab survivors rather than euthanasia. Furthermore, studies have shown that lab-released animals can be wonderful pets!
WCW has been vocal about various issues, including calling attention to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding gain-of-function research associated with labs in Wuhan, China, and raising concerns about Dr. Anthony Fauci’s past activities when he led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
The organization continues to draw attention to unethical practices, which include recent disturbing reports about beagle testing at NIH facilities.
In a statement, Mace referred to the killing of healthy animals as “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for federal labs to allow these creatures a second chance.
She described the Violet law as a common-sense measure that ensures these animals are retired when they are no longer needed for taxpayer-funded projects.
Anthony Berotti, president of WCW, highlighted the importance of the Violet law, noting that it aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to curb unnecessary spending on animal testing. He expressed the hope that the law will facilitate the retirement of survivors from harmful conditions in labs.
While the Trump administration had successfully facilitated the rescue of numerous animals from federal labs, Berotti criticized the current administration for not allowing testing survivors to be retired, despite taxpayer funding. He stressed that Violet’s law would ensure that these animals are returned to loving homes.
John Ramer, director of Animal Sanctuary, echoed praise for Mace’s initiatives, asserting their capability to support the transition of lab animals into loving homes.
