Is the end of animal experimentation near?

The changing landscape of animal experimentation globally and in Australia

Around the world, approximately 115 million animals are used in cruel experiments annually. A rise in awareness surrounding the ethical implications of experimenting on animals has created a global shift in support of non-animal testing research. Non-animal methods not only benefit the animals but have proven to yield more accurate and reliable data and results. Let's learn more about animal experimentation, advancements around the globe, where Australia stands, and ways you can help the movement.

Animals are cut, injected, burned, and tormented in the name of “research”

Animals are experimented on for a range of reasons, from investigating diseases to learning about biology and psychology, testing the effectiveness of drugs, or discovering how toxic a substance is. Substances that can be tested on animals range from cosmetics, skin care, shampoos, and soaps to household cleaning chemicals, garden chemicals, to food, pet products, and medicines. During these experiments, live animals are cut open, poked, prodded, injected or sprayed with substances, or purposefully tormented for "research". All forms of testing procedures cause the animals both physical and psychological suffering. 

Almost all animals are victims of the animal experimentation industry

The most commonly used animals include mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, dogs, pigs, sheep, and primates. In most countries, there is no legal requirement for labs to record the number of animals they use, abuse, and kill.

Toxicity testing on beagles.
Image credit: PETA

Animals in Australian research facilities are suffering

In Australia, there are Codes in each state and territory aimed at reducing the number of animals used in research. However, the success of these Codes at reducing suffering is questionable. This is because research companies are not required to record the number and species of animals used in research. Therefore, it would be difficult to track whether or not a company has attempted to replace, reduce, or refine their study and the number of animals used. Expert analysis suggests that Australia tests on over 10 million animals annually.

In addition to importing animals for experimentation, Australia also has three primate breeding facilities for macaque monkeys, marmosets and baboons. In 2020, three baboons escaped from the truck that was transporting them to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for testing. The baboons were likely used for biomedical research.

Common experiments in Australia include experimental research, surgical, medical, psychological, biological, chemical, or physical treatment, abnormal husbandry or dietary conditions, collection of blood, tissue, or other body samples, teaching, diagnosis, product testing, production of biological products, feeding trials, and field surveys.

Marmoset monkeys used in experiments are often subjected to precision brain surgery.
Image credit: Graeme Robertson | The Guardian

There is a global shift to animal-free experimentation

The use of animals in experiments is not only cruel but also ineffective and unreliable. While animals may be similar to us, data from tests does not translate to the same results in humans. The FDA reports that just 8% of drugs that pass tests on nonhuman animals also supposedly work on humans. This means 92% of drugs approved for testing in humans fail to receive approval for human use.

The good news is that there's a significant shift happening worldwide to move away from animal experimentation. Advances in scientific research have introduced alternative methods like 3D cell cultures, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and computer models. These not only yield more reliable and human-relevant data but also eliminate the need for animal suffering.

A lung-on-a-chip device.
Image credit: Wyss Institute, Harvard University.

The Australian CSIRO are calling for alternative methods

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has called for a rapid transition to these alternatives, providing a 5-year strategic plan to help us align with international changes. They are urging government bodies, research institutions, and regulators to expedite the transition, highlighting that failure to act could result in a missed economic opportunity and diminished quality in medical research. 

A move to ban forced swim tests

While change has been slow in Australia, one of the latest successes has been the banning of the forced swim test in several universities. This test is designed to provide insights into human depression, but many agree that it fails to do so. It involves placing mice or rats, who are often dosed up with drugs, in cylinders of water and observing their behaviour as they struggle to float. The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Griffith University, and Macquarie University have banned swim tests.

Australia’s ban on cosmetic testing

In July 2020, Australia banned cosmetic testing on animals. The ban also means that new ingredients used exclusively in cosmetics that are manufactured in, or imported into Australia cannot use information from animal testing to prove safety. While this appears to be a positive advancement, there's an important exception to be aware of – the ban only applies to chemicals specifically intended for use in cosmetics. Chemicals used both in cosmetics and household cleaning products are not covered by this new law. This loophole allows companies to test a product for something like pain relief and then use that animal testing data for cosmetics as well.

Image credit: PETA

Creating a kinder world for animals, together.

Australia is at a critical juncture where it can either embrace the future of ethical and effective scientific research or lag behind in outdated, inhumane methods. With global trends moving away from animal testing, it's high time we align our practices and ethics with this progressive approach. Your voice and actions can play a pivotal role in this much-needed change.

You can help by:

  1. Becoming a well-informed advocate: The first step to ending animal experimentation is to be well informed on the issues. Share credible information with others and discuss it within your circles to create awareness.

  2. Support cruelty-free brands: Choose to only buy products from companies that do not test on animals. Look for the “vegan” "cruelty-free" label when shopping.

  3. Support organisations calling for change: Support non-profits that are working to promote alternative methods of testing and campaigning against animal experimentation, such as Animal Liberation and Humane Research Australia. 

  4. Sign petitions and lobby the government: Take part in or start petitions to push for legislation that restricts or eliminates animal testing. Write to your local council and elected state and commonwealth representatives urging them to support the move to non-animal models in research and a move away from using products that have been tested on animals or supporting businesses.

Published 19 September 2023