ANIMAL TESTING What's the alternative?

Woman looks at clinical testing on dogs and why campaigners want change

- FIONA FORD

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.