Staff Reports
In a move that would make any animal-loving conservative proud, Administrator Lee Zeldin of the Environmental Protection Agency plans to reinstate a ban on animal testing that the Biden administration hastily dismantled. During the presidency of Donald Trump, the EPA made significant strides toward reducing animal testing, setting ambitious deadlines that included a 30 percent reduction by 2025 and a complete phaseout by 2035. But it seems the current administration preferred to throw those achievements into the same bin they used to toss their collective sense of reason.
Zeldin’s announcement is like a breath of fresh air wafting through the stench of bureaucratic neglect. According to agency spokesperson Molly Vaseliou, Zeldin is determined to steer the agency back on course. This determination should be applauded, especially considering that animal testing involves tens of thousands of vertebrates annually to assess the toxicity of chemicals, a practice that would have made any ethical animal lover cringe. It’s about time that regulations reflect the values of conservative constituents who prioritize both animal welfare and responsible governance.
The Biden administration’s approach to animal testing could best be described as “conveniently forgetful.” They decided that the progressive agenda was more pressing than caring for innocent creatures. They halted deadlines for the phaseout of animal testing and famously scrapped retirement plans for lab rabbits. One rabbit was even mercilessly euthanized rather than given a chance at a post-lab life, proving that in the climate of the current EPA, humane treatment is as outdated as flip phones.
The Kindness Ranch, an animal sanctuary eager to assist, is standing at the ready—no strings attached. Their executive director has made it abundantly clear that they would opt for rehabilitating and rehoming rabbits and other animals, lifting the burden from taxpayers. It’s refreshing to see compassion backed by willingness—qualities that the EPA could learn from.
Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to revive a ban on animal testing at the Environmental Protection Agency, The Washington Times has learned. https://t.co/gJRDfkUVG7
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 10, 2025
While some may argue that new alternatives to animal testing, grouped under the buzzword “New Approach Methods,” are on the rise, the legitimacy of such methods remains a debate. Critics point out that without deadlines, progress stagnates like a swamp filled with red tape. Zeldin’s revival of the Trump-era ban is a reminder to those in the biopharmaceutical industry that it’s time to innovate or risk losing taxpayer funding—an ideology music to the ears of conservatives who appreciate effective governance.
As reported by the White Coat Waste Project, the EPA has been wasteful in its resources, making potentially absurd decisions like forcing animals to inhale smoke from wildfires or poisonous substances. Reinstating a plan that respects both taxpayer dollars and animal welfare seems long overdue. This is why you can bet that many Republicans, including Representative Nicole Malliotakis, have rallied behind Zeldin’s efforts to save money and spare innocent lives. In a political landscape overflowing with shortsighted policies, Zeldin’s actions could pave the way for genuine change—much to the chagrin of those clinging to outdated practices.
Zeldin’s history of supporting pro-animal legislation, from banning cruel experiments on dogs to outlawing shark finning, indicates that he’s not merely issuing empty promises. Instead, he appears committed to creating a future where animal welfare and responsible science coexist, a sentiment that aligns with the values of many conservative Americans. It’s about time that the EPA caught up with this understanding. With Zeldin at the helm, there’s hope for reform that doesn’t just pay lip service to compassion while ignoring the underlying issues.
