Gina Myers advocates for end to animal testing in Oregon Senate Committee

The Oregon House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss pressing issues, including animal welfare in research facilities. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the treatment of primates used in scientific experiments, with passionate testimonies from advocates urging for legislative changes.

One speaker, Gina Myers, expressed deep concern over the conditions faced by primates in Oregon. She described the suffering of these animals, highlighting that they are often separated from their mothers and confined in cages for painful experiments that have not yielded beneficial results for human health. Myers called for the expansion of protections to include all primates, emphasizing the need for ethical treatment and the cessation of practices she deemed torturous.

Myers also advocated for alternative research methods, citing her personal experiences with a vegan diet and its healing properties. She argued that there are humane ways to conduct research without inflicting suffering on animals, urging the committee to consider these alternatives seriously.

The discussion reflects a growing awareness and concern regarding animal rights within scientific research in Oregon. As the committee continues to deliberate on these issues, the testimonies presented may influence future legislation aimed at improving the welfare of animals used in research settings. The meeting underscored the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of animal testing and the need for reform in research practices.