Annual Statistics Reveal Disappointing ‘Phaseout’ of Animals Used in Scientific Research in Great Britain
The annual statistics of scientific procedures performed on living animals in Great Britain have been released today, revealing a disappointing trend in the use of animals for research purposes. Despite promises of change in the 2024 Labour general election manifesto, the statistics show only a mere 1% decrease in procedures carried out compared to the previous year.
The Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) within the Home Office is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and protecting animals in science. Kate Salmon, campaign manager for Naturewatch Foundation and member of the Protection and Welfare Stakeholder Group, expressed her disappointment in the slow progress towards phasing out animal testing. She stated, “The numbers released today are a clear indication that our current government is in no rush to end the use of animals in scientific research. Whilst I recognise that there are complexities with ‘just ending animal testing’, there are many areas that could be ceased immediately.”
In May 2025, the then Secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, acknowledged that many companies only carry out animal testing because they are required to do so by regulation and legislation, not because it adds any value to their product development. This testing often involves repeated dosing without pain relief for extended periods, particularly in the case of toxicity testing which is directly linked to the controversial use of beagle dogs.
Despite these concerns, the Home Office continues to issue licences for such testing, calling into question the harm-benefit analysis required to issue these licences. Kate Salmon called out the government for their lack of action, stating, “The entire legislative structure on animal testing in the UK is a mess. Meanwhile, millions of animals, including dogs, pigs, monkeys, horses, and fish, are put through pain and suffering before being killed year on year. It is unacceptable for a modern society like the UK to still be involved in such unnecessary and barbaric procedures.”
Naturewatch Foundation is calling on the government to immediately remove loopholes that permit the testing of household ingredients on animals, where there is no regulatory requirement to do so under the 2015 household product animal testing ban. More information and advice on this issue can be found on the Naturewatch Foundation website.
Naturewatch Foundation is a registered charity that has been campaigning peacefully against animal abuse, lobbying for improved animal protection legislation, and raising awareness through education for 30 years. They also support the World Animal Day movement to raise the status of animals around the globe. For further information, please contact Kate Salmon, campaign manager for Naturewatch Foundation.
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