Published on March 25, 2026
Callers hoping to voice complaints about federal animal testing with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this week found themselves greeted by a surprise—what sounded like a voicemail for the popular pizza chain Domino’s. This unusual incident was traced back to a “rogue” staff member who changed the outgoing message on the department’s voicemail.
The situation unfolded on Monday, when individuals attempting to reach HHS to discuss concerns regarding animal testing protocols were instead prompted to leave messages for pizza orders. The switch was quickly noticed the White Coat Waste Project (WCWP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending government-funded animal testing.
According to the WCWP, the bizarre voicemail message was an unintended but humorous distraction from a very serious issue. The organization, which often draws attention to the ethical concerns surrounding animal experimentation, utilized the moment to highlight their ongoing campaign against the use of taxpayer dollars for animal testing. They have been vocal proponents of transparency and accountability within federal agencies related to this practice.
HHS has since confirmed the incident, describing the employee’s action as “inappropriate” and affirming their commitment to addressing the concerns raised regarding animal welfare. The department did not disclose the identity of the staffer involved, nor did they indicate whether any disciplinary action would be taken.
The WCWP seized the opportunity to encourage individuals who called the department to leave messages not just about pizza, but about the urgent need for reform in animal testing standards. Their spokesperson emphasized that while the voicemail mix-up was unexpected, it underscored the importance of public engagement on such critical issues.
As of now, HHS has restored the original voicemail message, and the agency continues to accept calls related to animal testing concerns. The incident serves as a reminder of the interplay between humor and activism, particularly in discussions surrounding ethically contentious topics.
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