Queenie was a dog. She was also a research subject — used in cardiovascular experiments at a Michigan public university, subjected to invasive procedures that caused pain and distress. She was not alone.

Right now, Michigan lawmakers have the chance to make sure no dog in a publicly funded institution ever goes through that again. Senate Bill 127 — known as Queenie's Law — would ban research or training activities that cause pain or distress to dogs at public institutions in our state. The Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee is considering the bill now. We're asking them to pass it.

Dogs live in our homes. They sleep at the foot of our beds, greet us at the door, and comfort our kids. Most of us would never accept the idea that an animal we love so deeply should be subjected to painful experiments — especially ones paid for by taxpayers. As Detroit Lions tight ends Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright put it in a letter to the committee: "Whether those four-legged family members are on our couch or in a government laboratory, they should be free of pain and suffering. And they should never be subjected to painful, taxpayer-funded experiments."

This isn't just about one dog, or one university. This is about what kind of state Michigan wants to be. Science is changing. Researchers are developing better, more humane methods that don't rely on animal suffering. "Science is moving quickly away from dog experiments," said Ryan Merkley, director of research advocacy for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "By passing Queenie's Law, legislators can help ensure Michigan is a leader in 21st century research."

Lawmakers in both parties have backed this bill. The momentum is here — we just need the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee to act.

Please sign and urge the committee to pass Queenie's Law. Dogs can't speak for themselves. We can.