Animal Research

The Society of Biology supports the use of animals in research when no alternatives are available. We also support a reduction in the use of animals by refining experiments and developing new ways to minimise and replace animals wherever possible with other suitable experimental methods

The medical benefits of animal research have included development of vaccines, antibiotics and pioneering medical procedures that save many human lives. Presently it is difficult in some instances to develop new medical treatments and cures without using animals, for example where it is necessary to monitor a whole body reaction to a drug or procedure. Animal testing of most new medicines is required by law.

Animal research has played a vital role in virtually every major medical advance over the past century. Animal research will continue to enable us to find cures and treatment for life-threatening conditions such as cancer, the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, severe neural trauma and several severe inherited diseases. 

Obviously not all medical research needs to use live animals and alternatives are sometimes available including cultures of cells, tissues, computer models and various sophisticated equipment. Research using animals is well regulated and only performed when no alternatives are available. Every effort is being made to use non-animal replacement methods. UK regulations are amongst the most comprehensive and rigorous and by law no animal experiments are conducted if there is a realistic alternative. Any proposed experiment involving animals is under stringent ethical control and regularly reviewed. However, UK regulations require that all new drugs must be tested on at least two different species of live mammals.

Some pressure groups wish to stop animal research completely. They claim that animal testing is unnecessary, it is a bad scientific practice and is poorly regulated. However, this is not the case. Their more basic arguments that animals have an intrinsic right not to be used for experimentation is a matter of opinion. Our opinion is that humans have greater intrinsic value than animal life.

Extremist groups have done significant damage to the lives and property of people involved in animal research. The case for vital research, which has saved the lives of millions of people, must be debated without threats, violence or intimidation, and should not be led by emotive headlines and a few violent individuals.

British public opinion is in favour of animal experiments for medical research where no alternatives are available. In 2002, 90% of adults in a MORI survey said that they accept the use of animals in research providing at least one of four conditions are met:

• The experiment must be for medical research purposes
• The experiment must be for research into life-threatening diseases
• There is no unnecessary suffering for the animal/s
• Researchers use non-animal alternatives whenever possible

We also consider that licensed research on animals may sometimes be necessary and appropriate in veterinary research, agricultural research, animal welfare research and teaching.

It is a legal requirement that those conducting research on animals are appropriately trained. The Society of Biology accredits training courses for this purpose.