Delaware General Assembly votes to end research animal euthanization

In the first state, retired research cats and dogs may soon be given a second chance.

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would end the practice of automatic euthanization following lab research. 

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Senator Jack Walsh says:

"The bill is as humane as it is common-sense… It defies reason that anyone would choose to euthanize instead of giving them a second lease on life.  If just one of these animals becomes a pet, all of the work that went into this bill will be worth it." 

The measure now heads to Governor John Carney's desk for his signature. If Senate Bill 101 is signed, Delaware will be the eighth state in the country to legally compel the adoption of research dogs and cats.