In recent developments, Congressman Paul Gosar has raised alarms over animal welfare, specifically calling for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cease experimentation on dogs. This demand follows allegations of abuse tied to Ridglan Farms, a puppy mill known for supplying beagles to NIH-funded laboratories. The troubling findings were shared by the watchdog group White Coat Waste Project (WCW), which highlighted a harrowing image of a retired female beagle abused in an NIH experiment at the Cleveland Clinic.
Gosar took to social media, openly urging the NIH to stop funding such experiments. “@NIH STOP funding lab experiments on pets,” he stated in a post, reflecting the growing concern among taxpayers regarding the use of public funds in animal testing. The WCW investigation indicated that a beagle, ten years old and previously used for breeding, had been subjected to painful experiments funded by the NIH. Such revelations raise serious ethical questions about how taxpayer dollars are being allocated.
These calls for reform are being echoed amid recent disciplinary actions against Ridglan Farms. This week, the lead veterinarian at Ridglan had his license suspended due to over 300 alleged violations concerning animal health, plus a proposed hefty fine of $55,000. These actions signify an escalation in ongoing scrutiny against the breeding operations tied to cruel laboratory experiments that taxpayers indirectly fund.
According to WCW, there are documented cases where beagles from Ridglan Farms have been involved in distressing experiments. The studies include painful applications like tick infestations and forced infections. Documents show connections between Ridglan’s beagles and various renowned universities that have conducted these studies under the NIH’s financial support.
In July 2025, Gosar, along with other congressional representatives, sent a letter to the NIH, demanding the cancellation of all grants related to dog and cat testing. Citing cruelty highlighted in WCW’s investigations, they contend that a significant proportion of Americans opposes the use of taxpayer funds for such inhumane treatment of animals. An alarming statistic reveals that 85 percent of Americans—including members of both major political parties—are against this practice. “Companies like Ridglan that abuse pets and break the law shouldn’t be rewarded with our tax dollars. The solution is simple: Stop the money. Stop the madness!” emphasized Justin Goodman, WCW’s Senior Vice President.
WCW has been vigilant in exposing the need for greater accountability regarding government funding of animal experiments. They assert that millions in taxpayer money have been saved by ending funding for cruel practices. Among their successes is the uncovering of NIH’s financial ties to various laboratories conducting distressing experiments on beagles. Recent findings have led to significant improvements in animal welfare legislation, including rules that allow lab survivors to be adopted as pets.
The ramifications of these investigations extend to other agencies as well. WCW’s efforts have resulted in the termination of numerous cruel testing programs across federal institutions. They’ve also been pivotal in closing notorious facilities linked to abusive testing practices, such as the USDA’s labs notorious for breeding and euthanizing cats. Their advocacy has not only saved animals but also challenged the status quo of government-funded animal testing.
Despite prior efforts, the NIH has continued to fund labs relying on Ridglan’s beagles for experimentation. The outrage is palpable as more Americans become aware of where their tax money is directed. The pressure is mounting for institutions to reevaluate their practices in light of these alarming allegations.
As legislative discussions unfold, the future of taxpayer-funded animal testing hangs in the balance. With the combined efforts of advocates and concerned lawmakers, there is a growing sentiment that change is not only necessary but overdue. The public is increasingly demanding accountability, transparency, and a reevaluation of ethical practices in research that involves animals.
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