Organization offers simple way to contact lawmakers about legislation addressing federally funded dog and cat testing

CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), a nonprofit devoted to the advancement of science without harming animals, is rallying support for the bipartisan Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act, a bill proposed before the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill (H.R. 10522), proposed by U.S. Representatives Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), bans the use of federal funds for live dog and cat testing. In addition, it provides guardrails for the safe release and adoption of animals from biomedical testing labs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Research Facility Annual Summary Report, 42,026 dogs, nearly all beagles, and 12,632 cats were held in laboratories for experimentation during 2025. NAVS also recently published its third annual Laboratory Animal Care Audit (LACA), which synthesizes the USDA's inspection records and individual research facility-level data to reveal a concerning number of violations across the country left unchecked with little to no consequences.

"This revolutionary bill brings incredible optimism for the future of thousands of animals," said NAVS Director of Advocacy and Sanctuary Meredith Blanchard. "We have made tremendous progress in developing modern, human-based research methods that don't rely on animals. This legislation is another important step toward a future where animals no longer have to suffer in the name of science."

Through its website, NAVS has made it easy for animal-loving citizens across the nation to take action. An easy form helps craft and direct an email to the specific U.S. representative for their district. The form can be found by visiting https://navs.org/get-involved/advocacy-center/ and clicking on the Support the COMPACT Act link.

"At its core, the COMPACT Act is about protecting animals that have already endured so much," said Blanchard. "We have an opportunity to change how dogs and cats are treated in federally funded research, but that change won't happen without public support. We need people to reach out to their representatives and let them know this issue matters."

For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

About NAVS

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the exploitation of animals used in scientific research and education. Founded in 1929, NAVS works to advance humane, human-relevant science through public education, policy advocacy and support for innovative non-animal research methods. The organization also promotes alternatives to classroom dissections and supports sanctuaries for animals formerly used in laboratories, helping drive the transition toward ethical and effective scientific practices. For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

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SOURCE National Anti-Vivisection Society