Replacing Animals in Experiments

The reality of animal research 

For what purposes are animals used in experiments?
Experiments are conducted for testing of pharmaceuticals, food additives and environmental chemicals, to try out new surgical techniques, to mimic human disease, to enhance people's lifestyles or merely for curiosity.

What types of animals are used?
Animals used in experiments include primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds.

How many animals are used?
Over 100 million animals suffer and die behind the closed doors of laboratories around the world each year. Of these, 12 million animals are used in experiments in the EU, including around 3 million in the UK, with nearly 400,000 in Scotland.

Do animals suffer?
Animals are sentient beings that suffer pain and distress. While it is illegal to cause pain and suffering to animals kept as pets, it is perfectly legal for a scientist under licence to inflict pain and suffering on animals in a laboratory. Animals are legally cut, burned, electrocuted, blinded, starved, suffocated, gassed, shot, poisoned, bled, drowned, brain damaged or psychologically stressed in the name of science. Many of these animals are not given any anaesthetic or pain relief.

Are animal experiments 'good science'?
No. Because of species differences in structure, function and physiology, animal experiments only serve to delay real medical or other scientific progress and, in some cases, have been shown to be downright dangerous.

Is there a better way?
Yes. Many animal experiments have already been replaced with more advanced humane alternatives. With constantly increasing public concern regarding animal experimentation and a political desire to reduce its level, the future of testing and medical research lies in the development of humane alternatives to replace the use of animals in experiments.

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