Research dogs and cats would get adoption reviews before euthanasia

Research facilities would obtain a second veterinary review when the first veterinarian finds an animal unsuitable for adoption. Covered facilities use research dogs or cats, are licensed or registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and buy or transport these animals or receive state or local government funding. A partner animal shelter would choose the second veterinarian, who would examine the animal and issue a written decision. Either approval would require adoption offers to employees first, then to a registered Michigan animal shelter if no employee adopts. Two decisions finding the animal unsuitable would require the facility to euthanize it, meaning end its life. A shelter could also arrange a review after the first veterinarian approves adoption. This process would apply to dogs and cats no longer needed for research, before they can be euthanized.

The facility's attending veterinarian would evaluate the animal and give a written decision before it is offered for adoption. These standards would apply to dogs and cats no longer needed for research at covered facilities. A suitable animal must not have a medical condition causing significant ongoing suffering or imminent death, or pose a serious injury risk that cannot be reduced. Treatable or manageable medical or behavior problems could still allow adoption. Treatment costs, treatment time, or limited facility resources could not alone justify rejection. Rejection solely for medical or behavior reasons would require the second veterinarian's agreement.

Research facilities and animal shelters would keep written veterinary decisions and cover the reasonable costs of issuing them. These duties would cover facilities and shelters involved in the adoption evaluations. Facilities and shelters would cover the reasonable costs of the written decisions that apply to them. Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development would set rules for the evaluation process and decision forms. Facilities and shelters would provide the written decisions when Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development requests them.