Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law a bill requiring medical research facilities to put test dogs and cats up for adoption before euthanizing them.

Senate Bill 085, sponsored by Sens. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and John Carson, R-Highlands Ranch, and Reps. Manny Rutinel, D-Greenwood Village, and Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs, requires facilities to offer the animals to local shelters when they are no longer needed for testing, with an exemption if the facility has an internal adoption program.

The bill also requires facilities to submit an annual report to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment detailing the total number of dogs and cats transferred to a shelter or rescue, the name and address of those shelters, and the number adopted internally.

Senate Bill 085 is a narrowed version of last year’s Senate Bill 067, which failed to pass through its first committee. 

“From now on, dogs and cats that are subjects to scientific research in Colorado will be valued for their service and given the opportunity to find a forever home,” said Polis. “I thank the sponsors for their work on this bill and am happy to sign it into law today.”

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that 602 dogs and 185 cats were used in medical research in Colorado in 2023 at facilities including Colorado State University, Colorado Mountain College, and Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology.

According to the Anti-Vivisection Society, many of these animals are euthanized so researchers can see the effects of medication and vaccines on their organs. However, some dogs and cats are unnecessarily euthanized to save space and money, even though they are perfectly healthy.

“This legislation reflects who we are in Colorado — a state that values science and innovation, but also leads with empathy,” added Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “These animals play an important role in advancing medical breakthroughs, and they deserve another chapter of life when their work is done.”

The measure received a 50-13 vote in the House and a 29-5 vote in the Senate.