In a move that has ignited debate across the state, North Carolina Representative Don Davis (NC-01) has joined a bipartisan coalition calling for a comprehensive audit of federal expenditures on animal research. This initiative seeks to shed light on the use of taxpayer dollars in experiments involving dogs and cats at prominent North Carolina universities, including UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, Duke University, and Wake Forest University.
The Call for Transparency
Representative Davis, alongside 12 congressional colleagues, has formally requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the policies and practices related to federally funded research involving animals. The legislators’ letter emphasizes a significant gap in public knowledge regarding the extent and cost of such experiments, stating, “Despite repeated requests from Congress, we still do not know how many dogs and cats are being used in federally funded research, what they are used for, how much it costs taxpayers, and what our return on investment is.”
Animal Research in North Carolina’s Academic Institutions
Data from 2023 reveals that several North Carolina universities have conducted experiments involving dogs and cats:
• UNC-Chapel Hill: Utilized 195 dogs in painful experiments and 10 in non-painful testing. The university’s Francis Owen Blood Research Laboratory breeds approximately 120-150 puppies annually for hemophilia research, aiming to advance treatments for this severe bleeding disorder.
• NC State University: Conducted painful experiments on 32 dogs and non-painful tests on seven dogs. Additionally, 44 cats were housed in their laboratories awaiting research use.
• Duke University: Engaged six dogs in painful experiments and 24 in non-painful testing, with two additional dogs present in their labs but not yet utilized for research.
• Wake Forest University: Performed painful tests on 17 cats.
Institutional Responses and Ethical Considerations
UNC-Chapel Hill has defended its research practices, highlighting the significant medical advancements resulting from studies conducted at the Francis Owen Blood Research Laboratory. The university asserts that such research has been instrumental in developing life-saving treatments for hemophilia, stating, “Advances in the science and treatment of blood disease and the difference they have made in the quality of life for people suffering from inherited blood disorders would have been impossible to achieve without dogs that have hemophilia.”
All animal research at these institutions is subject to oversight by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), which ensure compliance with federal animal welfare regulations. These committees are responsible for reviewing all animal care applications, inspecting facilities, and overseeing training and educational programs related to animal research.
Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
The White Coat Waste Project, a government watchdog group, has been vocal in opposing taxpayer-funded animal testing. Anthony Bellotti, the organization’s president, stated, “Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their hard-earned money is being wasted by UNC and other labs to torture puppies and kittens in barbaric and outdated experiments.”
In response to growing concerns, legislative efforts such as the proposed “Violet’s Law” aim to establish guidelines allowing the retirement and adoption of healthy dogs, cats, rabbits, and other regulated animals no longer being used for research. This initiative seeks to ensure that lab animal retirement is implemented across all federal research facilities.
The Path Forward
The forthcoming GAO audit is expected to provide greater transparency regarding the use of animals in federally funded research and may influence future policy decisions. As the debate continues, it underscores the complex intersection of scientific advancement, ethical considerations, and public accountability.
For more in-depth coverage on this and other pressing local issues, subscribe to The Bull City Citizen. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering comprehensive reporting that keeps you informed about the matters impacting our community.
