Amendments to the Animal Research Act (1985) passed last week makes provision for the rehoming of cats and dogs used in animal research.
The Animal Justice Party’s Right to Release Bill passed on October 13, has been applauded by Stephen Coleman, CEO of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW (RSPCA NSW).
“We would like to congratulate the Honorable Emma Hurst MLC and her team for drafting this bill, and Alex Greenwich MP who took carriage in the Legislative Assembly, helping to give all creatures great and small a voice in the NSW Parliament,” he said.
The new Bill will allow thousands of animals the chance to live safe and normal lives instead of being arbitrarily put down when their time as testing subjects ends, as is routinely the case.
The Bill is affectionally known as “Buddy’s Law” in honour of Buddy, a Beagle who spent the first eight years of his life as a research subject. Patrice Pandelos, Buddy’s owner, fought hard for the bill to be passed to allow other cats and dogs to have a life after research, just like Buddy.
“I’d also like to personally thank Patrice Pandelos, who is a loyal member of RSPCA NSW, and of course, the owner of Buddy, a Beagle who was subjected to scientific experiments for the first eight years of his life,” said Coleman.
“Patrice’s drive and determination to improve the lives of animals like Buddy is a testament to her passion for animal welfare, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a member of our community.”
In 2020 almost 1000 dogs and over 500 cats were used in animal experimentation in NSW, with none of those dogs and only 75 of the cats being rehomed post-research.
Coleman says RSPCA NSW is looking forward to collaborating with the State Government, the Department of Primary Industries, research organisations and other animal rehoming groups over the coming months as the new bill is implemented.
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