House Democrats Press Navy Over Use of Pigs in Diving Experiments

Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) is calling on the Department of the Navy to provide more information about the use of animals in diving experiments.

In a letter to Department of the Navy Secretary Hung Cao, Rep. Escobar and Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Dina Titus (D-NV) are requesting more information on the use of swine, or pigs, in hyperbaric diving experiments.

“While we recognize the vital importance of ensuring the safety, health and operational readiness of our divers and submariners,” the lawmakers wrote. “We remain deeply troubled by the continued reliance on animal testing when novel scientific methods and advanced models exist and should be fully exhausted.”

The lawmakers are also seeking answers about the Navy’s use of alternative testing methods, the necessity of live-animal experiments, federal funding and plans to transition to non-animal methods.

According to recent research cited in the letter, a Duke University study found that switching swine from a helium-oxygen breathing mixture to carbon tetrafluoride and oxygen before rapid decompression reduced decompression sickness and mortality, along with other complications.

The lawmakers argue that the Navy should demonstrate whether non-animal methods have been fully explored before approving animal experiments.

“As advocates for animal welfare standards, we question whether the Department has thoroughly exhausted non-animal methodologies,” the lawmakers wrote.

Although the study reported potential benefits for undersea operations, the lawmakers question whether live-animal testing was necessary and whether advanced computer or laboratory-based models could be used instead.

“Our national security and the health of our service members are paramount, but we must achieve these goals ethically and responsibly,” the lawmakers wrote.