Summary of HR 2976: Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act

Bill Number: HR 2976

Introduced On: April 21, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Betty McCollum

Purpose and Intent

The Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act aims to establish regulations governing the research and exhibition of cold-blooded animals, such as reptiles and amphibians. The bill seeks to ensure humane treatment and ethical standards in the handling, care, and use of these animals in scientific research and public displays.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical provisions, including:

• Regulatory Framework: Establishes a set of guidelines for the care and treatment of cold-blooded animals used in research and exhibitions.

• Permitting Process: Requires institutions engaging in research or public exhibition of cold-blooded animals to obtain specific permits, ensuring compliance with established welfare standards.

• Animal Welfare Standards: Mandates that all cold-blooded animals must be housed in environments that meet their physiological and behavioral needs, including appropriate temperature, humidity, and space.

• Research Oversight: Introduces oversight mechanisms to monitor research practices involving cold-blooded animals, ensuring that studies are conducted ethically and with minimal harm to the animals.

• Public Education: Encourages educational programs to inform the public about the ecological importance of cold-blooded species and the ethical considerations surrounding their use in research and exhibitions.

Affected Parties

The following groups would be directly impacted by the provisions of this bill:

• Research Institutions: Universities and laboratories conducting studies involving cold-blooded animals would need to comply with new permitting and welfare standards.

• Exhibition Facilities: Zoos, aquariums, and other public exhibition venues would be required to adhere to the regulations set forth in the bill, ensuring the humane treatment of cold-blooded species.

• Animal Welfare Advocates: Organizations focused on animal rights and welfare may find support for their initiatives through the enforcement of stricter regulations.

• General Public: Increased awareness and education about cold-blooded animals and their ecological roles may enhance public appreciation and conservation efforts.

Procedural Timeline

• April 21, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for further consideration.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it may undergo amendments and revisions before being voted on by the House. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to follow its development and engage with their representatives regarding its implications.

This summary provides an overview of HR 2976, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and the potential impact on various stakeholders.