U.S. Military Ends Practice of Shooting Live Animals to Train Medics to Treat Battlefield Wounds

The U.S. military has officially ended the practice of shooting live animals to train medics to treat battlefield wounds. This decision comes after the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act banned the use of live animals in live fire training exercises and prohibited 'painful' research on domestic cats and dogs.

The U.S. military has been training medics using live animals for decades, but this practice has been widely criticized by animal welfare organizations and some lawmakers. The use of live animals in training exercises has been seen as inhumane and unnecessary, and many have argued that it is not an effective way to train medics.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law in December 2025, marked a significant shift in the U.S. military's approach to training medics. The law prohibits the use of live animals in live fire training exercises and requires the military to develop alternative training methods.

The U.S. military has already begun to implement alternative training methods, including the use of simulators and virtual reality technology. These new methods are designed to provide medics with realistic and immersive training experiences without the need for live animals.

The decision to end the practice of shooting live animals to train medics is a significant step forward for animal welfare and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of treating animals with respect and compassion. ^[10]

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[10] U.S. Military Ends Practice of Shooting Live Animals to Train Medics to Treat Battlefield Wounds