Violet’s Law

This legislation, titled Violet's Law , amends Section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act to mandate new requirements for federal research facilities. It stipulates that any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States operating such facilities must, within one year of enactment, promulgate standards for the adoption or non-laboratory placement of eligible animals. These standards apply to animals no longer needed for research and determined to be suitable for release. The bill defines "eligible animal" to include dogs , cats , nonhuman primates , guinea pigs , hamsters , and rabbits . These animals can be placed with animal rescue organizations , animal sanctuaries , animal shelters , or directly with individuals . For an animal to be considered "suitable for release," it must receive a veterinarian's certification confirming it is free of infectious disease or physical abnormality that could endanger it, other animals, or public health.