Report in support of legislation to prohibit vivisection at NYS colleges and universities

SUMMARY 

The Animal Law Committee (Lori Barrett, Chair) issued a report in support of a bill to amend the New York Education Law to prohibit vivisection in colleges and universities where a scientifically and educationally satisfactory method or strategy exists. (The legislation would not limit the non-invasive use of animals in higher education — e.g., in cognitive-behavioral research — or the use of animals in biomedical research.) The Committee argues in favor of the legislation, which would (1) limit unnecessary vivisection that causes pain and suffering to live animals; (2) resolve inconsistent practices with respect to the use of live animals in higher education; and (3) address the growing public opposition to vivisection by both the general public and students. It notes that medical schools around the country have nearly eliminated the use of vivisection in coursework, that veterinary schools are increasingly using alternative educational methods, and that the proposed legislation would establish a consistent standard by prohibiting vivisection in all institutions of higher education in the state where a scientifically and educationally satisfactory alternative can be implemented.

BILL INFORMATION

A.226 (AM Rosenthal) – prohibits vivisection at colleges, universities, professional, proprietary or graduate schools where a scientifically and educationally satisfactory method or strategy exists (NYS 2015-16)