Every year, more that 115 million animals are used in laboratory experiments.
This shocking statistic has actually increased in recent years.
97% of animals used in testing perish in these cruel experiments.
Brexit has, and will continue to, affect animal welfare and testing regulations. Before we left the EU, 80% of animal welfare legislation came from EU law. As we move further away from the European Union, there is a possibility that we will begin to trade with countries that have lower animal welfare standards than we do, such as Australia, China, and the United States.
In the UK alone, around 3,000 primates are tested on every year. Over 100,000 are used worldwide.
Why is testing on primates bad?
Apes are incredibly intelligent creatures, and experience love, loss, and life in many of the same ways as humans. They have language, music, loves and hates. They are so closely related to us, sharing around 98.8% of the same DNA as us.
Primates can form complex social relationships and can experience acute psychological distress as a result of many of the procedures forced upon them during the testing process, from their anxiety-inducing transportation to the cramped, dirty living conditions that many of these unfortunate animals call home.
How can we ban testing on apes?
Austria is the only country in the world where it is illegal to test on any kind of ape, so it is possible.
To fight against animal testing in general, you need to do your research. Find out which companies have tested on animals and refuse to use their products. Speak out against them - let them know you won’t be using their products, and let others know too! Raise awareness for cruelty-free companies and share them with your family and friends, and support organisations fighting against animal testing.
Without our help, millions of innocent animals will continue to helplessly die each year.
