As CAARE frequently reports, outstanding developments in science and technology are driving important advances in human medicine without the use of animals. Everything from cell-cultured organoids to 3D printing using human cells to sophisticated computer models are delivering results that are far more relevant to human health than animal experiments.

Unfortunately, millions of animals still suffer and die in outdated, duplicative and painful tests, despite the existence of superior alternatives.

The HEARTS Act (H.R. 1209), introduced by representatives Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) will work to change that.

Please send a letter to your Congressional representative asking for their support for the HEARTS Act.

The Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences (HEARTS) Act stipulates strong measures to promote the use of alternatives to animals in experiments funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is the largest funder of animal experiments in the world.

The Act will promote non-animal methods by giving priority to researchers who use animal alternatives for receiving NIH funds.  

It will also establish a set of guidelines for NIH grant applicants to ensure that before any experiment involving the use of an animal is funded, the applicant has fully evaluated available non-animal methods and that at least one reviewer has professional expertise in their use.

Significantly, the HEARTS Act will apply to all live vertebrate animals, including the most frequently used species like mice and rats who are excluded from protection under the Animal Welfare Act. At a time when most legislation for animals in labs is directed at safeguarding only a few species, the HEARTS Act will pertain to all of the 100 million animals used in U.S. laboratories.

The HEARTS Act is an important step towards ending excessive, frivolous and curiosity driven animal experiments by implementing a number of stringent requirements for NIH funded research that will drive the use of non-animal methods.

Please voice your support for the HEARTS Act by sending a letter to Congress.

Thank you for taking action for animals in labs today!

Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research (CAARE), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established to highlight and promote research without animals.

Please donate to support CAARE’s mission to end animal suffering by disseminating information about the power and progress of research without animals.