As a social work student at Wayne State University, I've been taught the importance of advocating for what I believe in. It's absolutely unfathomable to me that within the very institution where I am taught compassion and ethics, defenseless dogs are subjected to horrific medical experiments. These dogs are subjected to numerous painful surgeries, kept in basement cages separate from one another, devoid of love or human kindness, forced to run on treadmills, until ultimately, they are killed. They're not treated with any dignity, not even given names. They never experience the simple joys or comforts of life, like being walked outside or feeling a gentle touch.

Research should aim to alleviate suffering, not perpetuate it. The practices currently in place at Wayne State University are outdated and inhumane. Animal rights organizations, including PETA, have repeatedly flagged these practices as cruel and unnecessary, pointing to alternative methods that yield the same scientific insights without resorting to pain and torture. Not only is this a moral imperative, but it is also an academic one, aligning with a growing global consensus against animal cruelty in scientific research. 

This research has never amounted to a single advancement for humans since it started at WSU in the nineties, and other heart researchers (Texas Heart Institute, 2015) no longer use dogs as test subjects due to them being a poor match for human heart research. Worse yet, these experiments are taxpayer-funded. We're paying for experiments that are not only cruel and unnecessary, but ineffective scientifically. This needs to stop. 

Given the advancements in technology, there are now countless humane alternatives available for innovative research, including sophisticated computer modeling, cell cultures, and artificial tissue experiments that can replace the need for live animal subjects.

Additionally, top-tier universities worldwide have already transitioned to such humane methodologies with outstanding success and educational integrity. Wayne State University must follow this progressive path to maintain its relevance and reputation as a forward-thinking academic institution.

I call upon the decision-makers at Wayne State University to urgently reevaluate their approaches to medical research and to cease this senseless cruelty. Our dogs deserve compassion, love, and respect, not a life of suffering and fear. Urgent change is necessary, and it starts with your voice. There is active MI legislation proposed, "Queenie's Law"(SB 127, introduced by Senator Wojno on March 6, and HB 4254 introduced by Rep. Aragona on March 18) that would stop this from occurring, not only at my school, but at other publicly funded institutions in MI. Change is very possible.

Sign this petition to demand an end to these cruel and inhumane practices. Help us bring about justice for these animals and advocate for a more ethical approach to research in our institutions. Let your state and local governments know you don't condone what's happening and pressure them to pass legislation to stop this.