On April 9, 2026, the Animal Studies Project, with support from the Center for Bioethics, Parr Center for Ethics, and Philosophy Department hosted a panel discussion on animal research featuring
distinguished speakers discussing history, policy, and ethics on this complex topic. The panel was organized around the recent publication of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research by freelance journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan. Kaplan spoke about the impetus of the book in her curiosity about the experiences of her adopted beagle, Hammie, who had previously been a subject of biomedical research. Susan Lederer, distinguished professor of Medical History and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin also spoke as part of the panel. Lederer spoke about some of the relevant history in animal research, especially for the use of dogs. She noted the close ties between journalistic coverage of the unethical procurement and deplorable housing and welfare conditions of dogs kept for eventual use in science and the eventual passage of the Animal Welfare Act in 1966. Deborah Blum, best-selling science writer and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, rounded out the panel. Blum spoke about the differences between how activists and scientists leverage social and political support for or against animal research. She especially pointed to some recent changes to animal research supported by the Trump Administration and promoted by activists.
The panel was attended by several different communities including social medicine and ethics researchers, students, members of the public, and members of the animal research community. Highlights, in addition to the speakers’ insightful talks, included lively discussion between veterinarian attendees working in animal research and our journalist panelists. A couple of attendees were concerned that some complex issues in the practice and justification of animal research were not fully acknowledged in the presentations. Deborah Blum and Melanie Kaplan invited additional discussion and Blum pointed out how the animal research community was not as forthcoming with journalists about their experiences as the activist community opposing animal research. Members of the research community in attendance agreed this was an issue that needed attention.
The panel sparked in-depth one-on-one conversations over the reception that followed between people who might not otherwise have a chance to share ideas, including discussion between animal activists and members of the research community.