LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the nation reels from the massive beagle rescue operation of approximately 1,500 dogs tied to Wisconsin-based Ridglan Farms, Michigan lawmakers and animal advocates are once again trying to shut the door on painful taxpayer-funded dog experiments happening much closer to home.
On Wednesday, Michigan’s Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on Senate Bill 127 — better known as “Queenie’s Law.” The legislation would prohibit publicly funded institutions from conducting painful or distressing experiments on dogs. Queenie, a stray female Dalmatian mix from Gratiot County, was killed by Wayne State University in 2010 after spending seven months in experimental testing.
Both SB 127 and its companion measure, House Bill 4254, would amend Michigan’s Public Health Code to prohibit public bodies from using dogs in experimental procedures that cause pain or distress, or from directing employees or contractors to conduct such experiments. The Senate’s legislation further specifies that dogs cannot be subjected to experiments whose purpose “may cause death, injury, fear, or trauma to the dog.”
Lions players tackle dog testing debate.
This time around, the push to pass Queenie’s Law is coming with some extra muscle from Detroit with Detroit Lions tight ends Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, along with their wives, sent a letter to lawmakers today urging support for the bill ahead of Wednesday’s hearing. According to a press release from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), they join PCRM, a professor from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a former research veterinarian who will testify in support of the bill.
“Like millions of Michiganders, dogs share our homes,” the Lions players write. “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. That’s why we hope you’ll support Queenie’s Law (SB 127) when it comes before your committee.”
What Is Queenie’s Law?
Queenie’s Law has been introduced in multiple legislative sessions but has repeatedly stalled despite bipartisan backing from lawmakers and support from animal welfare advocates. The legislation was prompted largely by controversy surrounding experiments conducted at Wayne State University involving dogs used in heart failure and hypertension research. Critics say the dogs underwent invasive surgeries involving implanted devices in arteries, hearts and spinal areas before being forced onto treadmills while researchers elevated their heart rates to extreme levels.
Public records cited by PCRM show more than 150 dogs have died in the Wayne State experiments since 2010, including cases involving collapsed lungs, infections and severe internal bleeding because of surgical errors. Some dogs reportedly were found dead in cages following procedures.
From stalled House Bill to Senate spotlight.
In October, the House Regulatory Reform Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of that chamber’s version of Queenie’s Law, with 14 legislators supporting, none opposing, and two legislators passing. The bill, introduced by Rep. Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township), was referred to the House Rules Committee, where it awaits a hearing. While the House version of Queenie’s Law stalled in committee last session, the Senate version will get a hearing on Wednesday.
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And the timing couldn’t be better, according to many animal advocates.
Supporters of Queenie’s Law argue that if Michigan truly wants to present itself as a modern, compassionate state, it should stop relying on decades-old animal testing methods when alternatives now exist.
“Science is moving quickly away from dog experiments,” said Ryan Merkley, director of research advocacy for PCRM. “By passing Queenie’s Law, legislators can help ensure Michigan is a leader in 21st-century research.”
Critics like PCRM argue the research has produced questionable benefits while newer technologies are increasingly replacing animal testing in advanced medical research including things like computer modeling, artificial intelligence, human cell and tissue studies, organ-on-a-chip technology that mimics human organs, 3D bioprinted tissue, advanced imaging, and lab-grown human “mini organs” known as organoids.
Wayne State on hold – for now.
PCRM points out in their press release that last month, news broke that Wayne State is not currently conducting dog experiments but is still actively seeking more funding for the project from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which has provided almost $15 million to the university over the past 35 years. Wayne State’s last grant from NIH ended in March. However, Michigan Pet Alliance says, “Without action, the cruelty could restart at any time,” noting that Wayne State is not the only institution in Michigan conducting live animal research.
NIH funding under fire.
The Wayne State controversy has attracted a lot of political attention. We reported in February about a bipartisan group of lawmakers that urged the NIH to stop funding the Wayne State experiments. They described botched surgeries and painful procedures that the dogs are going through, and said the NIH is wasting public money that should be used to improve public health.
Wayne State has defended its practices, saying its animal research follows strict ethical guidelines and federal oversight standards. The university maintains the work is important for medical advancement. Michigan News Source reached out to the university about the status of their animal experiments and they did not return our request for comment.
Timing matters after Beagle rescue fallout.
The renewed push for Queenie’s Law comes at a moment when public attitudes toward animal testing appear to be shifting rapidly – and the momentum could be enough to finally get the legislation passed. Recent national outrage following revelations connected to Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin breeding facility tied to laboratory research, has pushed the issue of animal experimentation front and center across social media feeds.
Is the momentum to stop animal experiments finally shifting?
Now, with disturbing images from the recent beagle rescue operation still fresh in the public’s mind – and with Detroit Lions players joining the push for reform – supporters hope Michigan lawmakers may finally decide the state no longer has to accept a system where dogs endure painful experiments even as newer technology increasingly offers alternatives that can reduce or replace animal suffering.
