US military to stop shooting pigs and goats as a way to train medics for the battlefield

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 3:37 PM EST, December 19, 2025


WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military will stop its practice of shooting pigs and goats to help prepare medics for treating wounded troops in a combat zone, ending an exercise made obsolete by simulators that mimic battlefield injuries.

The prohibition on “live fire” training that includes animals is part of this year’s annual defense bill, although other uses of animals for wartime training will continue The ban was championed by Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Florida Republican who often focuses on animal rights issues.

Buchanan called the change “a major step forward in reducing unnecessary suffering in military practices.”

“With today’s advanced simulation technology, we can prepare our medics for the battlefield while reducing harm to animals,” he said in a statement to The Associated Press. “As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to continue leading efforts to end outdated and inhumane practices.”

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/military-defense-bill-animals-trauma-training-d26f642efa6dc97e984bab352444408b

[montanacowboy]

1. Kegs Breath won't like this

it's about time this happens

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Good Grief!

How long have they been shooting helpless animals??

[Midnight Writer]

3. "I'm so proud Junior is serving his country in the military." "That's great. What does he do?"

[Bayard]

4. I knew someone who rescued a bunch of wild goats

I think it was from NM or AZ. The military was using them for target practice.

[Envirogal]

5. A republican did a good thing??!

I didn’t know there was an Anima Protection caucus!! I will take the small scraps of good news when I can.

[TomSlick]

6. Even a blind squirrel will find an acorn now and then.

[joshdawg]

7. How about replacing pigs and goats

with maga and republican congressvermin. Asking for a friend.

[Richard_GB]

8. They can practice treating gunshot wounds

In any US downtown ER. Even the British army sends its surgeons to US hospitals to train. Apparently we do not shoot enough of our population over here in Britain.