What is animal testing?
The term “animal testing” refers to procedures performed on living
animals for purposes of research into basic biology and diseases,
assessing the effectiveness of new medicinal products, and testing the
human health and/or environmental safety of consumer and industry
products such as cosmetics, household cleaners, food additives,
pharmaceuticals and industrial/agro chemicals.
All procedures, even those classified as “mild,” have the potential to
cause the animals physical as well as psychological distress and
suffering. Most animals are killed at the end of an experiment, but
some may be re-used in subsequent experiments. (Humane Society
International)
Did you know?
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95% of all drugs that are shown to be safe and effective in animal
tests fail in human trials.
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Between 2010-2014, half a million animals covered under the AWA were
subjected to painful experiments without pain relief.
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A 2009 survey found that mice and rats used in invasive, painful
surgeries were only provided post-operative pain relief about 20% of
the time.
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Every year in the U.S., NIH spends about 47% of research funding on
animal experimentation.
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Currently, 52% of U.S. adults oppose the use of animals in
scientific research.