Cloning once seemed like science fiction, but its use is rapidly expanding. Despite serious animal welfare concerns, public opposition, and lack of data on human health effects: farm animals are cloned for food production, pets are cloned in an attempt to replace a beloved companion, and an increasing number of animals are being cloned for biomedical research.
The Animal Welfare Act does not cover farm animals used in cloning or agricultural research. This lack of oversight has consequences. Dolly, the first cloned farm animal, born in 1996, lived for a mere 6 years fraught with serious health problems. She was the only successful birth out of 277 attempts involving 13 surrogate mothers. Since then, the welfare of cloned farm animals has not improved, yet cloned animal products are now on store shelves. We can all help end abuse of farm animals by making stores and food companies aware that the majority of U.S. consumers are opposed to cloning.
The pet cloning industry targets grieving pet owners who desperately want their pet alive again. If the cloned animal survives, they may not even physically resemble the deceased pet yet alone replicate their unique and endearing traits. Our companion animal friends are irreplaceable. We can best honor them by helping local shelter animals find loving, safe homes.
You Can Help
Check out our list of top ten ways to help animals in laboratories. TAKE ACTION »
News & Events
-
April 28, 2011
Behind Closed Doors: The Human Toll of Animal Research
Former research employees describe the emotional impact of their work.
-
January 28, 2011
Scientists, Apply Now for Animal Alternatives Award
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2011 Russell and Burch Award, which will be given to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to animal alternative methods in the areas of biomedical research, testing or higher education.
Our Victories
-
January 20, 2012
Victory in Battle over Monkey-Breeding Facility
Following a highly publicized battle, Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Bioculture’s monkey breeding facility in Guayamna was constructed illegally and cannot operate.
-
December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
-
November 9, 2011
Five Chimpanzees Released from Laboratory Life
Five of the 26 elderly chimpanzees at New Iberia Research Center have been retired to a sanctuary. Please take action to free the 21 elderly chimpanzees who remain there, then help hundreds of other chimpanzees around the country who still suffer.
-
October 19, 2011
Great News! The U.S. Army Will Stop Using Monkeys in Harmful Training Courses
The U.S. Army has announced that live monkeys will be replaced with humane non-animal alternatives in future chemical warfare trainings. More than 1,000 HSUS supporters contacted the Army urging that the use of monkeys be stopped.
