Every dog deserves humane treatment—even those used in research.

As a lifelong advocate for both people and animals, I believe our humanity is reflected in how we treat those with the least power. Animals cannot speak for themselves or choose the circumstances they are placed in. That makes our responsibility to ensure their welfare even greater.

Beagles are among the most common dog breeds used in biomedical research because of their gentle, trusting nature. They do not choose this role, and they depend entirely on us to ensure they are treated humanely.

Biomedical research has contributed to remarkable medical advances that have saved countless human and animal lives. This petition is not about dismissing the value of science or halting lifesaving research. It is about ensuring that science is conducted with integrity, transparency, and compassion—and that the laws designed to protect animals are fully enforced.

When I saw the heart wrenching photos of beagles being forced to wear gas masks to breathe in chemicals that were banned since WW1–I had to act and ask that others join me too.

Recent USDA inspection reports, whistleblower disclosures, and Congressional inquiries have raised serious concerns about conditions at commercial breeding facilities that supply animals for research. Reports describing inadequate veterinary care, repeated animal welfare violations, and troubling treatment practices deserve thorough investigation and meaningful oversight. Regardless of where someone stands on animal research itself, we should all be able to agree that no animal should suffer because oversight failed.

Existing federal law already requires humane treatment under the Animal Welfare Act. Yet repeated concerns have left many Americans questioning whether current oversight is sufficient. We owe it to both the public and the animals in our care to ensure these standards are consistently upheld.

This petition calls on Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen oversight of commercial animal breeding facilities, increase transparency, conduct meaningful inspections, enforce existing animal welfare laws, and continue investing in scientifically validated alternatives that can reduce the need for animal testing whenever possible.

Compassion and scientific progress are not opposing ideals—they strengthen one another. Ethical research builds public trust, advances innovation, and reflects the values we aspire to uphold as a society.

If you believe that accountability matters, that animals deserve humane treatment, and that our government should faithfully enforce the laws already on the books, I invite you to sign this petition.

Together, we can help ensure that scientific progress never comes at the unnecessary expense of compassion.