As the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) moves to discontinue its animal testing programs, employees at its North Carolina facility are stepping in to ensure that the lab rats and zebra fish no longer used in research find loving homes. The agency's recent budget cuts have led to a significant downsizing of its research operations, specifically impacting programs involving live testing of chemicals. In response, an adoption initiative has been established to allow staff members to take in these animals as pets.
E.P.A. Announces Adoption Program for Lab Rats as Agency Ends Animal Testing
E.P.A. Announces Adoption Program for Lab Rats as Agency Ends Animal Testing
As the E.P.A. phases out animal testing, employees can adopt lab rats and zebra fish needing new homes.
In a move that underscores the changing landscape of scientific research, the E.P.A. is set to discontinue its animal testing efforts. Affected by the drastic budget cuts from the previous administration, the agency's research activities have diminished, leaving lab rats and zebra fish homeless. To facilitate the transition, employees at the E.P.A.’s Research Triangle Park facility have initiated an adoption program to find these animals new homes.
Posters encouraging staff to "Adopt love. Save a life." were displayed on campus, while an email from Maureen R. Gwinn, acting assistant administrator, revealed that the adoption process is currently accepting applications, though some criteria are still being finalized. The agency is responsible for the care of around 20,000 laboratory animals, primarily fish and their larvae, alongside a few rabbits which have recently been adopted as well. The adoption program aims to nurture a sense of responsibility and compassion among employees while ensuring the well-being of these animals as the E.P.A. transitions into a new era of scientific research.
Posters encouraging staff to "Adopt love. Save a life." were displayed on campus, while an email from Maureen R. Gwinn, acting assistant administrator, revealed that the adoption process is currently accepting applications, though some criteria are still being finalized. The agency is responsible for the care of around 20,000 laboratory animals, primarily fish and their larvae, alongside a few rabbits which have recently been adopted as well. The adoption program aims to nurture a sense of responsibility and compassion among employees while ensuring the well-being of these animals as the E.P.A. transitions into a new era of scientific research.
