WI AB436

Animal testing facilities and breeders must offer dogs and cats no longer needed for research to releasing agencies (shelters, humane societies, rescue organizations) for adoption, provided the animals do not pose a public health or safety risk.

Transfer offers must remain open for at least 3 weeks before euthanasia can be performed on the animal.

State agencies and higher education institutions operating testing facilities may develop internal adoption programs as an alternative to transferring animals to outside releasing agencies.

Annual reports due January 31 to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection must include total dogs/cats owned, used for testing, transferred for adoption, and names of receiving agencies.

Violations carry forfeitures up to $5,000 per animal, with each animal constituting a separate offense; facilities acting in good faith are shielded from civil liability for transferred animals.