Detroit Lions' Brock Wright and fiancée Carley Johnston Urge Michigan Lawmakers to Ban Cruel Dog Experiments
In a growing push, prominent figures in Michigan are urging lawmakers to approve legislation that would ban painful experiments on dogs at taxpayer-funded institutions. The Detroit Lions tight end, along with his fiancée, has joined forces with high-profile advocates, including director and actor Alison Eastwood, to advocate for Queenie's Law.
The bills, known as Queenie's Law, aim to prohibit public bodies from conducting research or training that causes pain or distress on dogs. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township) in the House and Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) in the Senate. Supporters argue that Michigan taxpayers are contributing to unnecessary canine experiments, including decades-long research at Wayne State University that has yielded little progress.
Critics of the bills, however, warn that restrictions on animal studies could hinder biomedical research and harm Michigan's competitiveness. Nevertheless, supporters point to advancements in human-based methods, such as clinical trials, population studies, 3D organoids, and research using donated human organs. The U.S. Navy has already stopped using dogs and cats in research, and Congress recently approved the annual defense policy bill banning painful experiments on these animals.
Brock Wright and Carley Johnston's letter to lawmakers highlights their personal connection to the issue. As a Detroit Lions player and his fiancée, they emphasize that dogs should not be treated as disposable tools in public labs. "Anyone who has a dog at home would be shocked to learn of the deadly experiments occurring inside public labs," Wright and Johnston wrote.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a medical ethics nonprofit, supports the legislation and notes that the endorsements from Wright and Johnston add momentum to the push. The group argues that it is time to move away from animal research, citing examples such as the Texas Heart Institute's decision to stop using dogs in 2015 and Michigan State University's development of a functioning human heart model.
The bills have already cleared one hurdle in the House, with the Regulatory Reform Committee voting overwhelmingly to advance HB 4254. The Senate version remains in committee, awaiting further action from lawmakers.
In a growing push, prominent figures in Michigan are urging lawmakers to approve legislation that would ban painful experiments on dogs at taxpayer-funded institutions. The Detroit Lions tight end, along with his fiancée, has joined forces with high-profile advocates, including director and actor Alison Eastwood, to advocate for Queenie's Law.
The bills, known as Queenie's Law, aim to prohibit public bodies from conducting research or training that causes pain or distress on dogs. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township) in the House and Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) in the Senate. Supporters argue that Michigan taxpayers are contributing to unnecessary canine experiments, including decades-long research at Wayne State University that has yielded little progress.
Critics of the bills, however, warn that restrictions on animal studies could hinder biomedical research and harm Michigan's competitiveness. Nevertheless, supporters point to advancements in human-based methods, such as clinical trials, population studies, 3D organoids, and research using donated human organs. The U.S. Navy has already stopped using dogs and cats in research, and Congress recently approved the annual defense policy bill banning painful experiments on these animals.
Brock Wright and Carley Johnston's letter to lawmakers highlights their personal connection to the issue. As a Detroit Lions player and his fiancée, they emphasize that dogs should not be treated as disposable tools in public labs. "Anyone who has a dog at home would be shocked to learn of the deadly experiments occurring inside public labs," Wright and Johnston wrote.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a medical ethics nonprofit, supports the legislation and notes that the endorsements from Wright and Johnston add momentum to the push. The group argues that it is time to move away from animal research, citing examples such as the Texas Heart Institute's decision to stop using dogs in 2015 and Michigan State University's development of a functioning human heart model.
The bills have already cleared one hurdle in the House, with the Regulatory Reform Committee voting overwhelmingly to advance HB 4254. The Senate version remains in committee, awaiting further action from lawmakers.
on dogs. I mean, come on, we're living in a time where AI is advancing at an insane rate and yet we still have to torture animals for the sake of research? Its like, we can develop prosthetic limbs and robots to help us but we need to hurt dogs first? Not to mention, there are so many human-based methods now that can replace animal testing, its just common sense 
. I'm loving that Brock Wright and Carley Johnston are using their platform to raise awareness about this issue, it shows that even in the sports world, empathy and compassion can be key 
. Let's hope the lawmakers listen and pass Queenie's Law ASAP!
. Can't we just agree that dogs shouldn't be used for experiments? I mean, come on, they're living beings too 
. And it's not like we need to rely on animal testing to advance medical research - there are so many other ways to do it that don't involve causing pain and distress 
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I gotta say, this is like, super cool that Brock Wright and his fiancée Carley Johnston are using their platform to speak out against cruel dog experiments 
. As a Lions fan, it's awesome to see a Detroit sports star getting involved in something so important 
. The fact that high-profile advocates like Alison Eastwood are supporting Queenie's Law is just the icing on the cake 
. It's time for Michigan lawmakers to step up and make our state a leader in animal welfare 
. I'm all for it 
.
. It's crazy to think about how many people have pets at home and wouldn't want their furry friends going through that stuff 
. I think it's awesome that they're using their platform to raise awareness and put pressure on lawmakers to make a change 
. The more high-profile people who support this bill, the better 
. Let's hope Michigan lawmakers listen and ban those cruel experiments once and for all 
!