PUPPS Act Introduced to Protect Dogs from Laboratory Testing

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has recently put forth a legislative measure aimed at transforming the landscape of laboratory animal supply. This bill, known as the Prohibiting Unethical Procedures on Pets in Science Act, or the PUPPS Act, seeks to end the commercial supply chain that provides dogs for research purposes.

The legislation directly targets breeding companies and distributors that supply canines to research facilities. Mace argues that dogs should have the chance to live in loving homes instead of being subjected to harsh testing environments, particularly in light of ongoing criticisms regarding taxpayer-funded animal research.

If enacted, the PUPPS Act would impose a nationwide ban on various practices within the laboratory animal supply sector. This includes making it illegal to breed dogs for research through methods such as mating, artificial insemination, or embryo transfer.

The bill also prohibits any commercial activities related to the distribution of dogs meant for research, which includes sales, donations, or transport. Moreover, it stipulates that research institutions cannot knowingly acquire or use dogs specifically bred for experimentation.

In terms of enforcement, significant penalties would be leveled against those who violate the regulations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would be responsible for developing and implementing the necessary regulations within six months of the bill’s passage. Violators risk losing their licenses and could face hefty fines—up to $10,000 for initial offenses and as much as $40,000 for repeat ones, with total penalties capped at $500,000 for a single investigation.

Importantly, the PUPPS Act ensures that dogs currently involved in research efforts are protected. Facilities will not be allowed to euthanize these animals; instead, they must be offered for adoption to individuals or recognized rescue organizations.

This approach builds upon earlier federal initiatives aimed at providing a safe transition for animals leaving laboratory environments. Notably, the bill’s introduction aligns with findings from the White Coat Waste Project, which has been vocal about issues surrounding taxpayer-funded animal testing.

“White Coat Waste first uncovered Dr. Fauci’s BeagleGate scandal and led conservatives to the fight against taxpayer-funded animal testing. That’s why White Coat Waste is proud to support Rep. Mace’s PUPPS Act to stop the despicable dog breeding operations we’ve exposed that supply victims to taxpayer-funded labs and ensure more survivors go from lab dogs to lap dogs,” said Anthony Bellotti, the founder of White Coat Waste Project.

Records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicated that major breeders, like Oak Hill Genetics, supplied over 1,500 dogs to research facilities from early 2025 to mid-2026, with many of these labs receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health.

The PUPPS Act has garnered support from animal welfare advocates and conservative groups alike, representing a broader legislative trend to replace live animal testing with humane scientific alternatives and to cut taxpayer spending on invasive animal research.

“Dogs aren’t lab equipment. They’re family. Breeding puppies into a life of pain just to stock government research labs isn’t science. It’s barbaric,” Mace stated. “This bill ends the breeding of dogs for research, cuts off the supply to these labs, and gives dogs trapped in that system a second chance through adoption rather than euthanasia. Man’s best friend belongs in a loving home, not a lab.”