US Military to Stop Shooting Goats as a Way to Train Medics
The seal is seen on a podium at the Pentagon, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington, before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The U.S. military will end its long-standing practice of shooting pigs and goats during combat medical training, a move supporters say reflects advances in modern simulation technology that better replicate battlefield injuries. The change is included in this year’s annual defense authorization bill and specifically bans “live-fire” training exercises involving animals, though other forms of animal use in military training will still be permitted.
The ban was led by Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Florida Republican known for his work on animal welfare issues. He described the decision as “a major step forward in reducing unnecessary suffering in military practices,” according to the Associated Press.
Buchanan’s office noted that the Defense Department will continue to allow some training involving animals, including procedures that simulate injuries such as burns or blunt trauma, as well as weapon testing. Animal welfare groups say animals used in these contexts are required to be anesthetized. The Defense Health Agency, which oversees military medical training, said in a statement on Dec. 19 that the department “remains committed to replacement of animal models without compromising the quality of medical training.”
The agency pointed to the creation of its Defense Medical Modeling and Simulation Office as evidence of that commitment, highlighting the use of realistic training scenarios designed to ensure medical personnel are prepared to treat wounded service members. Advocacy organizations such as PETA welcomed the decision, saying it could spare thousands of animals each year, although the military has not disclosed how frequently animals are used in training.
A 2022 Government Accountability Office report found that live animals, most often pigs and goats, have been used because their organs and tissue are considered similar to those of humans. The report said the animals are anesthetized during training and later euthanized.
Critics argue that even anesthetized animals do not adequately prepare medics or corpsmen for real combat situations. Groups like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine say modern alternatives, such as wearable “cut suits” used by human actors, provide a more realistic experience. These simulations can include movement, speech, and signs of distress that better reflect real-world conditions.
“The argument has always been about realism,” said Erin Griffith, a retired Navy physician and member of the committee. “But treating an awake, injured fellow service member is very different from working on an unconscious animal. Today’s technology does a much better job of preparing medics for that reality.”
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