Animal testing declines to lowest level since 2001 in 2022

In 2022, the number of experimental procedures conducted on live animals in the UK decreased by 3%, reaching the lowest level since 2001. The Home Office reported that a total of 1.47 million procedures were carried out, with a significant portion (55%) dedicated to experimental tests. The majority of these tests involved common species such as mice, fish, birds, and rats, which accounted for 95% of all procedures. Only a small number of dogs were used for breeding genetically altered animals. The primary focus of these experimental procedures was basic research, which constituted 52% of the total. Key research areas included the nervous system, immune system, and cancer. Experts, including Dr. Mark Down from the Royal Society of Biology, emphasized the importance of regulated animal research in advancing biomedical science and developing treatments for various diseases. Despite the decline in animal testing, organizations like Understanding Animal Research (UAR) highlighted that animal testing remains crucial for developing new medicines and vaccines. They noted that a small number of institutions were responsible for the majority of animal research, with ten organizations accounting for over half of all procedures. Critics, including Dr. Julia Baines from PETA, argued for the adoption of non-animal testing methods, citing ethical concerns and the availability of alternatives. The ongoing debate reflects a tension between the necessity of animal research for scientific advancement and the ethical implications of using animals in experiments.