WI SB414

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 pose no public health or safety risk.

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

State agencies and higher education institutions operating animal testing facilities may establish their own internal adoption programs to meet the requirements.

Annual reports due January 31 to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection must include total dogs/cats owned, used for research, transferred to releasing agencies, and adopted through internal programs.

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