Today is World Day for Lab Animals. I wanted to bring to light the unnecessary experimentation done on animals against their will and share how we can help.
Estimates show that approximately 10 million to 100 million animals are subjected to lab research annually. Most of the animals used in research are mice, rats, fish, and birds. But other animals, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and nonhuman primates, are also subjected to testing.
In 2023, 775,000 animals covered under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in the United States were used in USDA-regulated facilities. The AWA was enacted in 1966 in the U.S., but it only offers minimal animal protection in laboratories. Mice, rats, and birds bred for experimentation are excluded from protection under the AWA and account for 95% of the animals tested. The law sets minimal standards for housing, feeding, handling, and vet care for the approximately 5% of animals covered under the AWA. Additionally, these animals are not protected from any experiment that can cause pain or distress, and most animals are euthanized after being used in experimentation.
Animals are subjected to testing for cosmetics, household products, and medications. All things that only humans use. An animal's physiology is much different from a human's and will respond differently to cosmetics or medicines. Therefore, animals used in labs do not provide adequate results for us. According to Enviroliteracy, medications tested on animals fail spectacularly in human trials. This scheme of testing on animals is unethical, unreliable, and ineffective. Advanced methods of testing that provide accurate and reliable data can be used that do not involve torturing an innocent sentient being.
How to Help:
1. Animals are held prisoner in labs and need our voice to advocate for their freedom. To learn how you can advocate for lab animals, go to www.riseforanimals.org or www.aavs.org.
2. When you are out shopping and you want to determine if a product has been tested on animals:
· Look at the back of the product. Does it say “This Product Has Not Been Tested On Animals.”? It could also show the bunny logo and state that it is cruelty-free.
· If the product states “Do Not Put In Eyes” or “Do Not Swallow” it could mean it did not pass animal safety tests.
· Do your own research! Check out www.ethicalelephant.org or www.crueltyfree.peta.org for brands and companies that do not test on animals.
Resources:
1. American Anti-Vivisection Society. “Animals in Science page.” www.aavs.org.https://aavs.org/animals-science/animals-used/
2. The Rise for Animals Team. December 5th, 2022. “The Animal Welfare Act Protects Just 5% of Animals in Labs.” www.riseforanimals.org. https://riseforanimals.org/news/animal-welfare-act/
3. Enviroliteracy Team. February 28th, 2025. “Why is it unnecessary to test on animals?” www.enviroliteracy.org. https://enviroliteracy.org/why-is-it-unnecessary-to-test-on-animals/
*Photo courtesy of www.roadsanimal.blogspot.com
