The WATCH Act mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funding for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
Eric Schmitt
Senator
MO
The WATCH Act mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funding for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. It requires the creation of an inspection process and grants the authority to issue compliance certifications, which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant labs will have the opportunity to correct issues, but failure to comply may result in the suspension or revocation of grants. This act aims to harmonize global animal testing standards and promote ethical research practices.
WATCH Act: Quarterly Animal Welfare Checks Mandated for Foreign Labs Using NIH Funds
The Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2025, or WATCH Act, establishes a requirement for foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funds (specifically from the NIH or related institutes) for animal research to undergo quarterly inspections. Starting 180 days after enactment, these inspections aim to verify compliance with specific animal welfare standards, including proper animal care committee oversight and record-keeping, mirroring requirements often expected domestically.
Keeping Tabs Across Borders
So, how does this work? The bill directs the Secretary (likely of Health and Human Services, overseeing NIH) to set up an inspection process, working alongside foreign regulatory bodies. An appointed authority will conduct these checks every three months. Labs that pass get a compliance certification, which will be posted publicly via the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). Think of it as a public report card showing if labs handling animals with U.S. taxpayer money meet required standards, even overseas. If a lab falls short, Section 2 gives them a chance to fix the problems. However, continued non-compliance could lead to suspended or revoked grants – a significant consequence for research operations relying on NIH funding.
The Price Tag and Practical Hurdles
While aiming for better animal welfare and transparency is straightforward, making it happen globally presents challenges. Conducting quarterly inspections in potentially numerous foreign countries requires significant resources – inspectors, travel, coordination – raising questions about the cost for taxpayers and the potential strain on NIH's administrative capacity (Sec. 2). The bill's success also hinges heavily on cooperation with foreign governments and regulatory agencies. Establishing effective agreements and ensuring consistent enforcement across different legal and cultural contexts could be tricky. There's a risk that oversight might vary depending on the country involved, potentially creating loopholes or inconsistencies despite the bill's intent. For researchers, this could mean navigating new compliance layers or facing potential funding disruptions if their international partners struggle to meet these benchmarks.