We are a nation of animal lovers and according to the latest statistics 62% of us own a pet. But for the millions of animals in loving homes, there are thousands that are specifically bred for testing and kept in laboratories for experimentation.
Scientists believe animals are key to identifying cures for human disease. Not only are they physiologically and genetically similar, but they also suffer from many similar conditions, including cancers, TB, flu and asthma. The breast cancer drug Tamoxifen was developed using animal research and led to a 30% fall in death rates from the disease in the 1990s.
Of course, nobody wants to see an animal suffer, but equally, nobody wishes to see another human die from a cruel disease like cancer. It’s a tricky topic.
Although it’s illegal in the UK to test cosmetics, tobacco and products like bleach on animals, every drug licensed in Britain is legally required to be tested on animals before it’s declared fit for humans.
‘Animals are really important, and it’s a responsibility and a privilege to be able to use them in research,’ says Dr Vicky Robinson, chief executive at the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research.
‘Researchers need to take that seriously and to do the best they can for the animals in the context of their work.’
However, while testing on animals such as mice and rats has long been criticised by campaigners, it’s dogs being used in particular that sparks the most outrage in a nation of dog lovers.
Beagles are the preferred breed for testing because of their size and docile nature. Indeed, thousands are bred specifically for research each year.
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
View from THE BACK
Isabel Webster says what youre thinking
Your LIFE
Meat-free MEALS Healthy one-dish dinners that make veggies the star
What your GP really thinks about Doctor Google
Looking online for medical insights and advice can be both a help and a hindrance
48 hours in BELFAST
Northern Ireland’s capital is ideal for a minibreak
We've had THE LAST LAUGH!
Once the target of cruel bullying at school, these women are proving the haters wrong with their successful businesses
Easy moves to LIFT YOUR MOOD
Shape up and keep smiling with these simple exercises
The ROYAL INSIDER
KATE IS BACK BEHIND THE CAMERA - BUT IT NEARLY DIDN'T HAPPEN
IS BRIDGET STLL AS RELATABLE as she once was?
We fellin love with her in the noughties, but the weight-obsessed culture has moved on
'The Strictly curse is OFFENSIVE!'
Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson on parenthood and cheating rumours
I was diagnosed with HIV while PREGNANT
Victoria Roscow feared it would cost her and her baby’s lives