Released today: the annual statistics of scientific procedures performed on living animals reveal the disappointing ‘phaseout’ of animals used in scientific research in Great Britain.
In the 2024 Labour general election manifesto, the message was ‘Change’, with a firm position to work with scientists, industry, and civil society towards phasing out animal testing. Yet, the delayed 2024 statistics released today have shown a mere 1% decrease in procedures carried out compared to 2023, anything but real ‘Change’ for animals used in science in Great Britain.
The Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) within the Home Office is tasked by the government with protecting animals in science by ensuring compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). Kate Salmon, Naturewatch Foundation campaign manager, who sits on the Protection and Welfare Stakeholder Group, meeting quarterly with the unit, said, “The numbers released today are a clear...
