The agency plans on a study that will establish 'one non-animal based model,' which if successful will eliminate the need to conduct invasive blood sampling, which sometimes results in the need to euthanize the canine test subject.
CAITLIN FOSTER: ‘The FDA announced it will begin research with the aim of reducing — and potentially eliminating — animal research using dogs. The agency plans on a study that will establish “one non-animal based model,” which if successful will eliminate the need to conduct invasive blood sampling, which sometimes results in the need to euthanize the canine test subject. “The agency is optimistic that cultivating these types of new research approaches can help continue to reduce the need for animal testing,” wrote Scott Gottlieb, FDA commissioner… If successful, the FDA’s new study may provide an alternative research method for agencies, like the VA, that do not include harming animals…
The announcement comes on the heels of a controversial decision by Robert Wilkie, secretary of Veterans Affairs, that the agency will continue the practice. The VA decision sparked outrage by veterans groups and animal rights activists, who along with lawmakers have increased pressure on the agency to stop harmful tests on dogs… Justin Goodman, vice president of advocacy watchdog group White Coat Waste Project, says the VA’s canine testing is not only a waste of public resources, but that it also breaks from trends in the research industry, which for decades has taken steps to reduce harmful procedures…
Nevada Rep. Dina Titus, who introduced legislation aimed at ending harmful canine research procedures at the VA, praised the announcement Friday as a new standard for the industry to follow. “This progressive move stands in stark contrast to the VA’s insistence on continuing outdated dog testing,” Titus said in a statement. “I hope Secretary Wilkie takes note”.’ SOURCE…