January 31, 2026
This is the kind of good news we’ve been waiting for. For years, animal advocates have pushed for a future where “safety testing” doesn’t mean suffering—and now, the EPA is taking a real step forward. The agency has renewed its commitment to end animal testing on mammals by 2035, signaling that the era of cruel, outdated experiments could finally be coming to an end. This is a win for compassion, a win for innovation, and a moment worth celebrating.
Because right now, mammals like rabbits, mice, rats, and dogs are still used in toxicity tests that can involve chemical burns, forced exposure, extreme stress, and death. These animals are not lab equipment. They feel pain. They panic. They suffer.
And it’s not just cruel—it’s outdated.
The truth is: we have better tools now.
Modern science is moving forward with non-animal methods like human cell-based testing, advanced computer modeling, and other innovative approaches that can be faster, more efficient, and more relevant to human biology than old-school animal experiments.
So yes—we’re celebrating this EPA commitment. It’s a big deal. It’s a win for animals, a win for science, and a win for everyone who believes progress should come with compassion.
But here’s the thing: a promise isn’t a plan unless it’s backed by action.
That’s why we’re urging the EPA to follow through—fully and fast—by:
Sticking to the 2035 deadline to end mammal testing
Prioritizing non-animal methods whenever possible
Funding and expanding humane alternatives so they scale quickly
Publishing clear progress updates the public can track
Keeping chemical safety protections strong for people and the planet
The EPA exists to protect life. That mission should include the animals who have been forced to suffer in the name of regulation for far too long.
We can build a future where safety testing is smart, modern, and cruelty-free—and the EPA’s renewed commitment is the clearest sign yet that change is possible.
Let’s make sure this moment becomes a turning point—not a headline that fades.
Thank you for all that you do,
Mitch w/ Animal Commons
Sources
New York Times | E.P.A. Promises a Ban on Animal Testing by 2035
Humane World | Victory! EPA renews plans to eliminate animal testing by 2035