Limitation on certain research involving dogs and cats

(a) Limitation on REE Research Portfolio The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, shall ensure that none of the research, education, or extension activities carried out or funded under the jurisdiction of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area involve domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) or domestic cats (Felis catus) in which the animals are subjected to pain or distress that is not alleviated with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia, consistent with pain categories established by the Secretary pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) and described in paragraphs (5) through (7) of section 2.36(b) of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (b) Exception Subsection (a) shall not apply to research related to the training and use of dogs for the purpose of safeguarding domestic agricultural and natural resources from foreign and invasive pests and diseases, including activities authorized under the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 (Public Law 118–191). (c) Waiver Authority The Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and the Under Secretary alone, may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Under Secretary determines that— (1) the research is necessary to protect national security, animal and crop health, or public health, safety, or welfare; and (2) no reasonable alternative methods exist that would achieve the same scientific objective without the use of procedures described in subsection (a). (d) Congressional Notification Not later than 30 days before granting a waiver under subsection (c), the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written notification that includes— (1) a detailed justification for the waiver, including the specific national security or public health need; (2) a description of the research to be conducted, including the number and species of animals involved; (3) the projected cost to taxpayers; (4) an explanation of why alternatives are not feasible; and (5) the expected duration of the waiver.