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Coalition Condemns Gene-Edited Pets as Irresponsible and Unethical
Sacramento, Calif., March 31, 2025 – Assemblymember Bill Essayli introduced AB 1382, the Ethics Over Aesthetics Act, which is sponsored by political animal advocacy group, Social Compassion in Legislation. The bill will prohibit the sale of animals that have been genetically engineered for cosmetic purposes.
"While an advocate for ethical biotechnology and animal welfare, I strongly condemn the gene-edited pets, as highlighted in Wired’s recent article, Your Next Pet Could Be a Glowing Rabbit. The push to commercialize genetically modified animals for novelty and aesthetic appeal is both scientifically irresponsible and ethically unsound," said Assemblymember Bill Essayli.
The article details a project leveraging CRISPR gene-editing technology to create genetically altered pets, including bioluminescent rabbits (glowing green or blue). While the potential of CRISPR in medicine and conservation is immense, its application in creating designer pets raises significant concerns regarding animal welfare, ecological impact, and the commodification of living beings.
“Gene editing should be reserved for advancing medical research and addressing critical ecological challenges, not for turning animals into living accessories,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL). “This reckless commercialization trivializes the ethical implications of genetic modification and exposes animals to unknown health risks.”
“Beyond the potential for unintended genetic consequences, introducing gene-edited pets into the mainstream market could have severe repercussions, including disruptions to ecosystems if these animals were to escape or be released. Additionally, it paves the way for exploitative breeding practices, where profit-driven motives outweigh the well-being of the animals involved. Our shelters are already overflowing with overbred dogs, cats and rabbits. This whole idea is obscene in so many ways.”
Jennifer Lee, Executive Director of the San Diego House Rabbit Society, was aghast when she read the article, “As someone who runs a shelter that is devoted to the care of domestic rabbits, I’m deeply concerned about the rise of genetically modified animals for novelty. Not only could such modifications harm their health and well-being, but this trend also distracts from the pressing issue of overpopulation in shelters. Instead of creating new 'designer' pets, we should be focused on saving the lives of the countless rabbits already in need of care and homes."
“California’s animal shelters are chock full of beautiful, adoptable pets ready for loving homes,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “We are immensely concerned about efforts involving the genetic engineering of pets to support commercial interests and/or fashion trends. If you want a great pet, please visit your local shelter. If you think you need a pet that ‘glows’, please consider an alternate fashion accessory rather than exploiting a sentient being.”
The coalition urges policymakers to support AB 1382 and prohibit the sale of these pets with genetic modifications, and calls on the scientific community to prioritize ethical considerations over commercial interests. Consumers are also encouraged to think critically about the long-term implications of supporting such trends.
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