# Oklahoma Senate Reviews Animal Testing Law

The Oklahoma Senate conducted an interim study examining the state's longstanding 1951 law that requires local animal pounds to surrender unclaimed pets for medical testing. The study highlighted bipartisan federal opposition to animal testing and noted the availability of modern alternatives, prompting recommendations to repeal the statute. Legislative efforts to repeal this law are expected in the upcoming session, signaling potential regulatory changes affecting animal welfare policies and related procurement activities for state agencies and contractors.

- Procurement professionals should anticipate changes in animal testing requirements that may impact contracts involving animal care, testing services, or related supplies.
- Vendors providing medical testing services to state pounds may face reduced demand if the law is repealed, while alternative testing or animal welfare services could see increased opportunities.
- Agencies involved in animal control and welfare should prepare for updated procurement guidelines aligning with ethical standards and public expectations.
- Stakeholders can contact State Senator Nikki Nice for further information on the interim study and legislative timeline via Nikki.Nice@oksenate.gov or 405-521-5531.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Oklahoma Senate
- Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

### Key Quotes
> It really hasn’t happened in recent years, but people are outraged when they learn we have a statute that could still force a pound to turn over pets for medical testing. It’s time to repeal that law.
> — Nikki Nice, State Senator

### Sources
- [Interim study looks at Oklahoma law requiring pounds to surrender unclaimed pets for medical testing | Oklahoma Senate](https://www.oksenate.gov/press-releases/interim-study-looks-oklahoma-law-requiring-pounds-surrender-unclaimed-pets-medical?back=%2Fpress-releases%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com) - OK
- [Interim study looks at Oklahoma law requiring pounds to surrender unclaimed pets for medical testing | Oklahoma Senate](https://www.oksenate.gov/press-releases/interim-study-looks-oklahoma-law-requiring-pounds-surrender-unclaimed-pets-medical?back=/press-releases%3Famp%3D%26mdrv%3Doksenate.gov%26page%3D0) - OK