This post is brought to you by the SF SPCA.

Photo via capradio.org.

Beagles are commonly used in research because they are easy to care for and have a gentle disposition. These same characteristics make them great family pets.

But beagles and other research animals often spend their lives in cages, some only to end up euthanized when they are no longer needed. Currently, no federal or California laws cover their post-research treatment.

AB 147 is proposed legislation that would instead require California's universities to offer healthy cats and dogs for adoption after research has ended. Assembly Member Matthew Dababneh introduced the bill, and the Bay Area's own Senator Mark Leno is one of its co-authors.

The San Francisco SPCA thinks that AB 147 is common-sense, compassionate legislation. It encourages educational institutions and rescue organizations to work together to improve research ethics and animal welfare in the state, and it supports California's statewide policy preference that no adoptable animal should be euthanized if he or she can be adopted into a suitable home.

If you agree, let your own representatives know that you support AB 147. Help make sure that dogs and cats who have spent their lives in laboratories each get a solid chance at a happy life. They deserve it.