As part of budget cuts initiated during the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency is ceasing animal testing and has set up an adoption program for lab rats and zebra fish, allowing employees to care for these animals.
E.P.A. Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amidst Research Cuts
E.P.A. Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amidst Research Cuts
The Environmental Protection Agency invites employees to adopt lab rats and zebra fish as the agency downsizes its research operations.
Lab rats and zebra fish at the Environmental Protection Agency's research facility in North Carolina are facing a uncertain future as the agency reduces its research operations due to significant budget cuts imposed during the Trump administration. In response to this change, the E.P.A. has initiated a program to help direct the care of these animals into the hands of its employees.
The new program allows agency staff members to adopt these animals, with promotional materials encouraging participation through heartwarming messages such as "Adopt love. Save a life!" Reports suggest that the initiative has garnered attention, while employees consider the prospect of bringing home pet rats or fish.
According to Maureen R. Gwinn, the acting assistant administrator of the E.P.A.'s Office of Research and Development, adoption applications have been accepted, although the program is temporarily on hold as the E.P.A. defines the adoption criteria. The changes come as the agency currently manages around 20,000 animals, the majority being fish or fish larvae, with recent reports indicating that two rabbits have already found homes through this program.
The move to reduce animal testing aligns with a broader trend within scientific communities, as many researchers and advocates evaluate the ethical implications of animal use for toxicology studies. While some E.P.A. scientists express concerns about the cessation of these testing programs, the primary focus remains on providing a safe transition for the animals involved.
The adoption initiative provides employees with an alternative avenue to engage with these living creatures, transforming their roles from test subjects to cherished pets. The case at the E.P.A. serves as a microcosm of the complex intersections of scientific research, animal welfare, and governmental support.
