Survey says increasing number of people in the UK state they do not think animals should be used in any scientific research.

More effort is needed to end lab animal use and suffering, said the RSPCA, as a new poll reveals the public has real concerns about animal research and testing.

The animal welfare charity said the result of the Ipsos Mori survey demonstrated the need for strong regulation and increased efforts to develop humane alternatives to the use of animals.

Rising concern

The survey – commissioned by the Office for Life Sciences, and carried out between August and September 2018 – shows high and rising concern among the public about animal research and testing.

An increasing number of people in the UK (31% in 2014 and 38% in 2018) stated they do not think animals should be used in any scientific research because of the importance they place on animal welfare.

Provisos

While around two-thirds of respondents said they “can accept” some use of animals in experiments, this comes with three essential provisos:

• It should be for medical research.
• Where there is no alternative.
• No unnecessary animal suffering should result.

Head of the RSPCA Research Animals Department, Penny Hawkins, said: “These results, yet again, show the public’s ongoing and serious concerns for lab animals – concerns that are shared by the RSPCA.”