Summary: Protecting Animals in Military Training Act (H.R. 6514)

Overview

• Bill Number: H.R. 6514
• Title: Protecting Animals in Military Training Act
• Introduced: December 9, 2025
• Status: Introduced in the House; referred to the Committee on Armed Services
• Primary sponsor: Rep. Buchanan
• Committee action: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services

Purpose

The bill seeks to prohibit the Department of Defense (DoD) from using live animals in its live-fire trauma training exercises. It directs the DoD to replace live animals with alternative training methods to the extent deemed necessary by the Secretary of Defense.

Key Provisions

1. Prohibition on Live Animals: Beginning on the enactment date, DoD must ensure that live animals are not used in any DoD live-fire trauma training.
2. Species Covered: The prohibition explicitly lists dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals as examples of animals not to be used.
3. Alternative Training Alternatives: In conducting such training, the Secretary of Defense must replace live animals with appropriate alternatives, including advanced simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or actors, as determined necessary.

Who Is Affected

• DoD Training Programs: Any live-fire trauma training conducted by the Department of Defense would be affected.
• Animal Welfare Implications: The bill directly impacts the use of specified live animals in DoD training and prioritizes animal welfare by mandating substitutes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

• Effective Date: The prohibition takes effect upon the enactment of the bill.
• Implementation Process: DoD is required to assess and implement the replacement methods (simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or actors) as determined necessary by the Secretary of Defense.

Potential Impact

• Veterinary and Animal Welfare: Reduces or eliminates use of live animals (including dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals) in DoD training exercises.
• Training Resources: Increases reliance on high-fidelity simulators, cadavers, and other non-animal training tools, potentially driving demand for advanced simulation technology and other training modalities.
• Operational Readiness: Aims to preserve or enhance training effectiveness while addressing ethical considerations related to animal use.
• Budget and Procurement: Could influence budget allocations for training equipment, simulators, and related procurement needs within the DoD.

Notes

• The bill is currently at the introductory stage and has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration. No amendments or final passage information is available in the provided text.