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HR 5725 98th Congress House Animals Animals and Animal Protection Department of Agriculture Government Operations and Politics Government records, documents, and information Information services Laboratories Laboratory animals Protection of animals Research

Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act

Introduced: May 24, 1984 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 19, 1984
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 31, 1984
Referred to Subcommittee on Department Operations, Research, and Foreign Agriculture.
May 31, 1984
Referred to Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
May 24, 1984
Referred to House Committee on Agriculture.
May 24, 1984
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to include Federal agencies which use animals for research or experimentation as research facilities for purposes of such Act.

Revises the humane standards for animals transported in commerce.

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards for research facilities with respect to animal care and treatment and practice in experimental procedures to ensure that animal pain and distress are minimized. Directs the Secretary to require research facilities to report at least annually that such standards are being followed. Specifies those items which must be included in a research facility's statement of compliance with such standards.

Provides that a research facility shall be required to establish an animal research committee which shall inspect all animal study areas and facilities of the research facility at least semiannually and file an inspection certification report at the research facility. Requires that such report include any violations by the research facility of the standards promulgated by the Secretary. Provides that the research facility shall be given an opportunity to correct any such violations. Requires the committee to notify the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture and the Federal agency funding the research facility if the research facility fails to correct conditions. Provides that the committee report shall be maintained by the research facility for at least three years and shall be made available for inspection by the Secretary, the funding Federal agency, and the Department of Agriculture inspectors.

Requires a research facility to provide annual instruction for scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel in humane animal maintenance and experimentation and animal research and testing methods. Requires that employees of a research facility be told to report any violations of this Act by the research facility to the committee.

Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library which shall provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation.

Requires a funding Federal agency to suspend or revoke Federal support for any project where animal care, treatment, and practices are not in compliance with applicable standards despite notification to the research facility involved.

Provides that no rules or regulations promulgated by the Secretary may require a research facility to disclose trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information.

Makes it unlawful for any member of an animal research committee to release or use to his or her advantage any confidential information of a research facility. Sets forth criminal penalties for any such violations. Permits any person injured by such a violation to recover all damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.

What's happening now September 19, 1984

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3