Phasing Out Lab Animals

We've set out eight important goals that we want to achieve by 2030. As part of our lab animal work, we're calling on governments and all those involved around the world to:

Agree that phasing out animal use in science is a desirable goal
Show leadership and commitment to achieving this with clear plans

And we know that the UK public support us:

Over 77% of UK adults agree that the UK Government should commit to phasing out the use of animals in scientific research and testing*.

Help us phase out lab animal use

Show your support and join our campaign to phase out lab animals.

Alternative methods

We have serious concerns about the use of animals in research and testing. There's increased awareness of scientific limitations with many animal tests as well. Let alone the impact on the animals themselves.

There's been encouraging progress with developing humane alternatives to many animal experiments. But this isn't happening fast enough. In many cases, there are real scientific obstacles to be overcome. For example, alternative methods may not be available. Another issue is people being slow to accept non-animal alternatives that do exist. This can be because they don't know about them or how to use them.

10 things that need to happen to phase out animal experiments

Commit to phasing out the use of animals in science.
Leadership from government, industry and scientists. Clear strategies for replacing animals with alternative technologies and new approaches.
A culture at every lab that strives to replace animals. Supported by senior management and local animal ethics committees.

More funding and other incentives to encourage the development of non-animal technologies. Supporting their use.
Greater joint effort between people with different expertise (such as scientists, engineers and mathematicians). Advancing the potential of technologies and approaches that don't involve animals.
Increased awareness and sharing knowledge about 'alternatives'. Scientists, regulators and funders letting each other know about what's available.

Training and support for scientists in the new skills and equipment needed to move to non-animal approaches and methods.
Rethink about the types of tests and information required by law. Use this to inform decisions around the safety of medicines and chemicals.
Faster process of validating 'alternatives' to ensure they are effective. Clear guidance on what is needed for them to be accepted by the regulators of medicines and chemicals.

What we're doing to phase out animal experiments

We'll increase our work with everyone who can play a part. This includes governments and other people in policy making. We'll work with companies who produce new medicines or chemicals too. We'll carry on working with scientists, including those developing new ways of doing science without using animals.

We'll work here in the UK and in other countries around the world. Speeding up progress with phasing-out lab animals and phasing-in non-animal alternatives. We'll regularly update everyone about what we're doing and what's been achieved.