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AG Office Releases Opinion on Animal Experimentation

Attorney General, Dana Nessel, released a new formal opinion meant to protect dogs and other animals used in medical research.

The Huron Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for the homeless dogs and cats of Alpena County. The animal shelter provides the well-being of domestic animals in need while making an effort to locate a loving, lifelong home. “I love working here to help animals and care for them and the community and find them homes and just be there with them,” said Janna, an employee.

On May 9, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, released a formal opinion in order to protect animals used in medical research. “We think it’s a really good idea that dogs and animals, and any animal that goes through medical research has all the proper care that they need from anesthesia to vet care to antibiotics if needed, and they are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve,” said Cindy Johnson president of the Huron Humane Society.

The legislature passed a law calling for the creating of standards for the humane treatment of animals used in medical research more than 40 years ago. According to the attorney general’s office, those guidelines were not implemented. “40 years is a long time, and I can tell you anyone who works in rescue, to see any animals abused in any fashion, is heartbreaking,” said Johnson.

Ultimately, the standards of animal experimentation is up to the Department of Health and Human Services.