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Lions TE Sam LaPorta advocates for ban on painful dog experiments in Michigan
By Michael Kransz | mkransz@mlive.com
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is calling on Michigan lawmakers to end painful, taxpayer-funded experiments on dogs in the state.
LaPorta and his wife, Callie, earlier this week wrote leadership in Lansing advocating for bipartisan legislation that would forbid public institutions from conducting research that could injure, distress or kill dogs. The letter was sent to House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids.
“We are writing as dog lovers and proud residents of Michigan, whose people have warmly embraced us since moving here. Our reason for writing is urgent and exciting – you have the power to advance lifesaving, popular and bipartisan legislation,” the pair wrote. “Queenie’s Law (HB 4254 and SB 127) would prohibit painful experiments on dogs at Michigan’s public institutions.
“We were shocked to learn that such experiments are still occurring in our state – and that taxpayers are being forced to fund them.”
Born in Illinois, Sam LaPorta began his professional NFL career in 2023 with the Detroit Lions. Since then, he has become a key part of the Lions offense.
The LaPortas have a rescue dog, Bonnie, who they said is no different from the canines being used in lab research.
The Senate and House bills referenced by the LaPortas were introduced earlier this year and are in response to “the long-running, controversial dog studies conducted at Wayne State University,” according to bill sponsors Sen. Paul Wojno, D-Warren, and Rep. Joe Aragona, R-Clinton Township.
Those federally funded experiments, according to the lawmakers, involve dogs undergoing multiple surgeries, during which devices are placed in and around arteries and into their hearts.
The dogs that survive the surgeries are forced to run on treadmills while the devices trigger heart failures. Wayne State University officials say the dogs are not forced to run.
The lawmakers say the ongoing experiments date back to 1991. They cite public records obtained by nonprofit medical ethics group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
The legislation is called “Queenie’s Law.” The name comes from the dog Queenie who was killed by Wayne State in 2010 after being used in experiments for seven months, according to the Physicians Committee.
“Michigan’s dogs are lucky to have Sam and Callie on their side,” said Ryan Merkley, director of research advocacy for the Physicians Committee. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for painful, dead-end dog experiments.”
The House bill was advanced out of committee Oct. 30 by a unanimous vote and awaits consideration on the House floor. The Senate bill has yet to receive a hearing.
Dr. Michael Bradley, a researcher and the attending veterinarian at Wayne State, said the research conducted by his laboratory on dogs is aimed at advancing the treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension.
That research has led to the development of medical devices and treatment strategies that help people live longer lives, Bradley said.
“Over the 30-plus-year history of this research at Wayne State, there have been numerous scientific advancements that have been added to the body of scientific knowledge of cardiovascular physiology,” he said. “Contrary to recent claims, our research has produced meaningful peer-reviewed results.”
Merkley, and the LaPortas, pointed out that many research institutions, including the federal government, are moving away from using dogs in experiments. This includes research on heart disease, with some institutions, like the Texas Heart Institute, saying “the canine physiology is not the optimal match” for studying human heart conditions.
Dr. Paul Locke, an environmental health scientist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, testified last month that ending painful research on dogs will spark innovation.
“A lot of my work involves transitioning away from animal research to new methods like AI and organs-on-a-chip, and I believe that this bill will help us do that,” Locke said. “I think it’s going to pave the way towards a scientific future that better protects public health using far fewer animals.”
Former research veterinarian Sally Christopher reviewed the veterinary records of dogs who died at Wayne State in recent years.
During testimony last month, she described the life one dog labeled “Dog 3003” had during his time at Wayne State.
Dog 3003 was a male beagle that records indicate may have been housed alone in a windowless, basement cage for the last 18 months of his life, Christopher said. Between November 2023 and March 2024, records stated he received a total of 190 minutes of play time.
In April and May 2024, Wayne State staff performed two surgeries on Dog 3003 and implanted a pacemaker into his heart. The device, she said, was used to raise his heart rate two to three times the normal rate.
“Anyone who’s experienced a rapidly pounding heart knows how uncomfortable that is,” she said. “Imagine experiencing that every day for weeks.”
In August 2024, Dog 3003 had his third and final surgery, when Wayne State staff inserted a catheter into the space that surrounded his spinal cord.
Records stated he was vocalizing and suffering from possible pain afterward, Christopher said. The records indicated he was also unable to stand on his back legs, which showed rigid paralysis, she said.
“Dog 3003 continued to cry, likely in pain and/or distress, for six hours,” she said. “Later that evening after staff noted self-trauma, which dogs may do when in pain or distress, Wayne State euthanized him.”
The legislation would forbid public institutions from using dogs for a research purpose if that purpose causes pain or distress to the dog.
An experiment that may cause death, injury, fear, or trauma constitutes causing pain or distress. An experiment that involves an invasive procedure, such as penetrating the body, cutting body parts, performing surgery or surgical procedures, implanting a medical device or administering an experimental agent or drug, also constitutes causing pain or distress.
A dog owner consenting to have their pet used in veterinary training or veterinary clinical research involving the treatment of an existing disease or ailment would still be allowed.
Spaying or neutering as well as other training or medical procedures commonly performed by a veterinarian or veterinary student for the treatment of a dog would also still be allowed.
A research facility that violates the proposed law would face a civil fine between $1,000 and $5,000 for each dog that is the subject of a violation and for each day the violation continues.
Michigan State University and the University of Michigan oppose the bills.
Similar legislation was introduced last year but failed to get approval from both chambers.
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