Ask Your MP: Strengthen the Government’s animal testing strategy

Animal Aid has opposed animal experiments since we began in 1977. In July 2024, we secured a Labour manifesto pledge to work towards phasing out animal testing. Following the publication of Animal Aid’s roadmap and discussions with MPs and ministers, the government published its ‘Replacing Animals in Science’ strategy on 11 November. While it includes positive steps, there are serious shortcomings that need urgent attention.

Please contact your MP today and ask them to support these four key improvements:

1. Ban cruel LD/LC50 and other lethal dose tests immediately
   These outdated tests cause extreme suffering and produce unreliable data. Instead of validating “evident toxicity,” the government’s current intention, it should prioritise validating modern non-animal methods which are already in use.

2. Define ‘alternative’ as full replacement – not just fewer animals
   The public expects ‘alternatives’ to mean no animal use. Allowing animals to still be used in ‘alternatives’ is a missed opportunity for bold, scientific progress.

3. Expand Basket 3 and set an ambitious timeline to ending animal use
   The strategy focuses mainly on regulatory tests, which are only a fraction of experiments. Basket 3 should include all remaining areas of science which use animals and be reviewed annually to accelerate change.

4. Include animal protection groups in every stage of the process
   Animal Aid and other animal advocacy groups possess decades of expertise in non-animal science, animal use and have extensive connections. Most importantly, we represent the animals who cannot consent. Our involvement is essential for meaningful progress.

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Together, we can push for a stronger, more progressive strategy for all animals.