Every year, millions of animals are sacrificed in experiments in medical research laboratories. However, as time progresses, more people are questioning both the scientific validity and the ethics of these animal experiments. Historical reliance on animal research is being challenged by modern advancements, and public opinion is increasingly favouring humane alternatives.
At The Humane Research Trust, we fund scientists to replace animals and animal products in medical research. We think that this work will help us achieve a better understanding of human diseases than animal testing ever could.
On this webpage, we’ll explore both the scientific and ethical concerns surrounding animal research and highlight the promising alternatives that can lead us to a better future for patients and animals alike.
Animals and humans differ greatly in genetics, anatomy, ageing processes, and even in the diseases they experience. This means animal studies produce data that is unreliable and does not accurately reflect human biology.
Though animals and humans share some similarities, the multitude of differences are harder to account for. For instance, even when animals and humans share genes, these genes are often ordered differently and have different functions in the body. Even with recent advancements in genetic engineering tools, these variances mean scientists still can't replicate human biology in animals.
Researchers often resort to inducing symptoms in animals to mimic human diseases. However, this approach does not capture the complexity and uniquely human aspects of these conditions, from the genetic component to contributing lifestyle factors. For instance, animals do not naturally develop neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, so researchers often create models by inflicting brain damage on animals. This cruel method is a poor representation of human neurodegeneration.
Additionally, the artificial conditions of captivity in laboratories can have a big impact on an animal's physical state. These environmental factors can change their physiology, neurochemistry, behaviour, and even the expression of their genes. These changes can further compromise the reliability of studies they're used in.
As a result of all these factors, findings from animal studies rarely translate into effective clinical outcomes for humans. Research shows that 95% of new drugs deemed 'safe and effective' in animal tests fail in human clinical trials. The sheer quantity of failed studies highlights how we can't rely on animal research models to predict human responses.
Laboratory animals experience significant pain and distress during experiments. They can be genetically modified to have horrific birth defects, exposed to dangerous and painful chemicals, infected with diseases, brain-damaged, forcibly used in breeding programmes, purposely afflicted with psychological stress, paralysed, burned, force-fed, electrocuted, subjected to organ removals or transplants, and deprived of water, food, or sleep.
Even when animals don’t face the deliberate infliction of pain, their welfare still suffers in captivity. They will live their whole lives in isolation, in small barren cages, without access to natural light or normal environmental conditions. This lack of environmental enrichment can lead to severe psychological distress, manifesting as repetitive behaviours, anxiety, and depression.
While the UK law regulates animal research, this just means that scientists need certain licenses to use animals in their experiments. The regulations only cover certain types of animals, meaning others receive no protection from harm. For example, invertebrates like insects and cephalopods are excluded, despite evidence that they experience pain and distress.
The use of animals in research raises profound moral questions about the right to inflict harm on sentient beings for the benefit of humans. Some argue that it is inherently wrong to subject animals to painful and distressing procedures, regardless of the potential gains. But since we know that animal research fails to produce results, the moral case for animal-free research is even clearer.
In the past, our ability to study human health was limited by the lack of suitable tools and technologies, leading scientists to experiment on animals. However, recent advancements in research methods have provided far better ways of studying human health.
One of the most promising alternatives is advanced in vitro cell culture techniques. These methods involve growing human cells in a controlled environment, allowing researchers to study cellular responses and disease mechanisms directly. Technologies like 3D bioprinting have helped scientists to produce whole ‘mini-organs’ in the laboratory, which closely mimic their natural counterparts. These methods often use donated human tissue, ensuring the study results are applicable to people.
Sophisticated computer modelling has also emerged as a vital tool in modern research. By using vast amounts of data, researchers can simulate human biological processes, predict how diseases progress, and forecast the effects of potential treatments. Machine learning and artificial intelligence further enhance these models, making them increasingly precise and valuable.
Emerging technologies like organ-on-a-chip and microfluidic systems are also revolutionising laboratory research. These devices replicate the functions of human organs on a small scale, providing a more accurate representation of human biology. Collaborative efforts between research funders like ourselves and progressive scientists are driving the development and adoption of these humane methods.
Yet, animal research remains common. Historical reliance on animal research has created established practices and protocols that are deeply ingrained in the scientific community. Despite growing evidence that we now have better approaches, many people still perceive animal experiments as effective, justified, and irreplaceable.
However, the tide is turning. Regulators, the public, and scientists alike are becoming increasingly aware of the limitations of animal research and the increasing availability of animal-free alternatives. As a result, animal testing is on a downward trend.
The Humane Research Trust is committed to supporting this transition, ensuring that the future of medicine is both ethical and effective. We do this by funding scientists to find ways to research human diseases that can replace animals and animal products.
We invite you to join us in this mission. Your support can make a significant difference. Together, we can create a world where humane research methods lead to better outcomes for humans and animals.
