Michigan Lawmakers Advance Bill to Halt Painful Dog Experiments, Targeting Wayne State Research

Michigan lawmakers are actively debating a proposed bill aimed at prohibiting painful medical research on dogs at the state's publicly funded institutions, primarily targeting the long-standing cardiovascular experiments conducted at Wayne State University. The legislation, colloquially known as "Queenie's Law," seeks to ban research and testing that could inflict "pain or distress" on canines, as reported by Dave Bondy in a recent social media post.

Introduced by Senator Paul Wojno and Representative Joe Aragona, the bill responds to decades of public and activist criticism concerning dog experiments, particularly those involving surgical implantation of medical devices to induce heart failure. These procedures, sometimes requiring dogs to run on treadmills, are deemed outdated and cruel by opponents. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) alleges that these experiments have consumed millions in taxpayer dollars without significant advancements in human health.

Advocates for "Queenie's Law," including animal welfare organizations and students, argue the research is both inhumane and a misuse of public funds. Jackie Myers, a social work student at Wayne State University, stated, "vague platitudes about making progress aren't enough to justify millions of taxpayer dollars and hundreds of dead dogs." Senator Wojno underscored that the bill aims to redirect public funds towards human health advancements rather than causing harm to "defenseless animals."

In contrast, Wayne State University officials and researchers staunchly defend their work, emphasizing its critical contributions to cardiovascular physiology. Dr. Michael Bradley, senior director of the Division of Lab Animal Resources at Wayne State, testified to the House Regulatory Reform Committee that their NIH-funded research, spanning over 30 years, has yielded "meaningful, peer-reviewed results." He maintained that the experiments are conducted humanely and are vital for medical progress.

This legislative effort has ignited a broader discussion about the balance between animal welfare and scientific research. Industry groups like MichBio express concerns that the bill could inadvertently hinder future medical advancements and negatively impact Michigan's bioscience sector. Despite these objections, the bill has garnered wide bipartisan support, with a House committee recently commencing hearings, signaling its serious consideration within the state legislature.