The AFTER Act of 2023 requires federal agencies and departments that run research facilities or keep animals on display to create new rules that make it easier for these animals to be adopted into homes when they retire from their work. Right now, when animals finish their time in federal research or exhibition programs, there's no clear process for finding them new homes. This bill changes that by requiring agencies to set up adoption programs and procedures. This affects animals like primates, dogs, cats, and other creatures used in government research or displayed at federal facilities. Essentially, instead of these animals potentially facing uncertain futures after their working years end, the government must now actively work to place them with people who want to adopt them. It's a straightforward animal welfare measure that gives retired research and exhibition animals a second chance at life in private homes.

AFTER Act of 2023

Collins, Susan M.

Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act of 2023 or the AFTER Act of 2023 This bill requires departments, agencies, or instrumentalities that operate federal research facilities or exhibit animals to promulgate regulations that facilitate and encourage the adoption of certain animals that are suitable for retirement.