June 13, 2017

Today Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) issued the following statements after the Los Angeles VA’s announcement to discontinue a two-decades-old canine research program. In experiments at the Los Angeles VA facility, Dobermans were bred to suffer from narcolepsy and subsequently injected with methamphetamines daily for six months, killed, and dissected. On May 8, 2017, Rep. Titus, along with Rep. Lieu and seven others, led an effort to send the VA a letter raising concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the controversial dog experiments.  On June 9, the VA announced it was terminating the research program.

Congresswoman Dina Titus

“This disturbing research went on for 20 years too long. But in a matter of weeks we were able to help shut it down. I commend the VA, my colleagues, and the devoted advocates who worked to do the right thing. This is good news for animals and veterans.”

Congressman Ted W. Lieu

“I am pleased that the VA is taking this important step for our nation’s veterans, American taxpayers, and our canine friends. This much needed reform will put the Los Angeles VA back on track to taking care of our veterans without wasting resources to conduct unnecessary and inhumane experiments on dogs.” ​

Anthony Bellotti, President and Founder of White Coat Waste Project

“We’re proud of this victory for taxpayers, veterans and man’s best friend and incredibly grateful to Reps. Lieu and Titus for their outstanding leadership that made it possible. This long overdue reform will help the Los Angeles V.A. get back to the business of caring for and housing our nation’s veterans, instead of wasting time, tax money and facilities operating a nightmarish dog laboratory and breeding colony. With Los Angeles ending its painful dog experiments, only three V.A. facilities are still forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for heart attack experiments on puppies and other harmful studies and White Coat Waste Project and it’s 400,000 liberty-loving and animal-loving supporters will continue to hold V.A. accountable until they stop. One down, three to go.”