The US Army will stop its common practice of shooting pigs and goats to train military medics who help wounded soldiers in active combat zones, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
The practice is already outdated, as military simulators can now imitate wounds received on the battlefield.
The ban on training using real weapons on animals is part of this year's defense bill, although other ways of using animals for military training, such as using cold weapons, will continue. The ban was supported by Congressman Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida who often addresses animal rights issues.
"With today's advanced simulation technology, we can prepare our medics for the battlefield while reducing the suffering caused to animals," Buchanan said.