The program reflects a significant shift in government research practices and offers staff the chance to care for the animals previously used in toxicity tests.
**EPA Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amid Research Cuts**
**EPA Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amid Research Cuts**
As the EPA scales back its animal testing, staff are encouraged to adopt lab rats and zebra fish in need of homes.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating an animal adoption program at its North Carolina research facility as it cuts back on animal testing due to budget constraints associated with the previous administration's policies. In response to these changes, the agency is encouraging its employees to take home lab rats and zebra fish that will no longer have a purpose in ongoing research efforts.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the EPA's Research Triangle Park site has been home to numerous animals, predominantly fish and fish larvae, that have served in toxicity studies over the years. As the agency winds down these programs, an adoption initiative has been established, allowing staff members to apply to adopt these creatures as pets. A poster promoting the program captured the initiative’s spirit, urging employees to "Adopt love. Save a life."
Maureen R. Gwinn, acting assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, communicated via email that applications for adoptions have been accepted, although they have been temporarily placed on hold while criteria are finalized. Furthermore, it has been reported that aside from the common test animals, the facility recently adopted out two rabbits that were also housed on campus, signaling an effective transition toward a more compassionate approach in handling research animals.
As the agency navigates these significant operational changes, the adoption program not only seeks to provide animals with new homes but also aims to foster a culture of responsibility and care among EPA personnel.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the EPA's Research Triangle Park site has been home to numerous animals, predominantly fish and fish larvae, that have served in toxicity studies over the years. As the agency winds down these programs, an adoption initiative has been established, allowing staff members to apply to adopt these creatures as pets. A poster promoting the program captured the initiative’s spirit, urging employees to "Adopt love. Save a life."
Maureen R. Gwinn, acting assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, communicated via email that applications for adoptions have been accepted, although they have been temporarily placed on hold while criteria are finalized. Furthermore, it has been reported that aside from the common test animals, the facility recently adopted out two rabbits that were also housed on campus, signaling an effective transition toward a more compassionate approach in handling research animals.
As the agency navigates these significant operational changes, the adoption program not only seeks to provide animals with new homes but also aims to foster a culture of responsibility and care among EPA personnel.
