The U.S. Navy has decided to stop research involving dogs and cats after facing pressure from various advocacy groups and lawmakers. This major decision marks a significant shift in military research practices, driven by ethical concerns and financial considerations.
Last week, Navy Secretary John Phelan declared an end to these animal experiments, emphasizing a commitment to aligning all medical research with ethical and scientific standards. “Today, it gives me great pleasure to terminate all Department of the Navy’s testing on cats and dogs, ending these inhumane practices and saving taxpayer dollars,” said Phelan on social media platform X.
This decision comes after persistent efforts by the White Coat Waste Project, a nonprofit dedicated to stopping government-funded animal research. The group has long campaigned against Department of Defense experiments that involved using cats for studies on erectile dysfunction, constipation, and incontinence.
According to White Coat Waste, the federal government allocates approximately $20 billion annually to animal-based research. They commend the Navy’s move and attribute this victory to several influential figures, including conservative commentator Laura Loomer and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Loomer expressed her satisfaction with the decision on X, stating, “We exposed animal testing contracts at the Department of Defense, and @PeteHegseth and Secretary Phelan took immediate action to end these cruel and abusive taxpayer-funded experiments on innocent animals.”
The advocacy efforts have not been limited to the Navy. In the previous year, Congress passed a law stopping the Department of Veterans Affairs from using cats, dogs, and primates in research. White Coat Waste has been lobbying to end such practices since 2017.
Following the Navy’s announcement, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reached out to Navy Secretary Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, applauding the decision but urging an expansion of the ban to cover non-medical research, including trauma training and weapons tests.
PETA noted that other animals, such as pigs and rats, continue to be used in military experiments, and they advocate for a comprehensive ban on such practices. “Pigs, rats and other animals feel pain and fear just as dogs and cats do, and their torment in gruesome military experiments must end,” stated PETA Vice President Shalin Gala.
Additionally, PETA has called on the Pentagon to cease funding for animal research conducted at international institutions. Meanwhile, lawmakers such as Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Lisa McClain have reintroduced legislation to stop U.S. funding of animal research in countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Rep. Lisa McClain remarked, “American taxpayer dollars should never fund dangerous, cruel experiments in animal research labs — much less in China or other adversarial countries.” Similarly, Rep. Don Davis emphasized the need for accountable use of taxpayer funds, saying, “Hard-working taxpayers in eastern North Carolina and across America should not pay for risky experimentation in countries not subject to regular oversight and accountability.”
