Is animal testing the only way to make sure products are safe? What happens to animals killed after they're used in testing? DoSomething.org asked Nancy Beck, Ph.D. and Science and Policy Adviser at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to answer such frequently asked questions.
Which animals are most vulnerable to animal testing?
Mice and rats are the most commonly used animals for both toxicity testing (testing ingredients and products on animals to determine whether they are safe for humans). For toxicity testing, other animals commonly used include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, dogs, sheep, pigs, fish, frogs, cats, and monkeys.
How are the animals used or tested?
Depending on the specific type, tests can vary in duration from a few hours to several days or months.
A few specific examples of common toxicology tests include:
How often are animals euthanized or killed after completing their testing?
The majority of animals used in toxicity tests are killed at the end, often, so their internal organs can be examined. The way animals are killed can vary, but the most common methods are asphyxiation (forcing them to inhale a deadly gas, such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide), decapitation (beheading) and cervical dislocation (breaking the neck or spine).
Why can’t most animals be put up for adoption after they’re testing is finished?
Animals are often killed as part of the test, in order to determine whether there has been any toxicity to their internal organs.
Is it an option for scientists to conduct their experiments without using animals?
Yes. Many alternatives are now available, and more are being developed. These methods are based on the human body and can produce more accurate information. They are also much faster and cheaper than using animals. These non-animal test methods involve using human cells and tissues that can be grown in the lab, as well as building computer models to predict test results based on existing data from other similar substances.
Are there humane ways to conduct testing?
No. Animals that normally live in groups can experience social isolation because they are often housed alone in cages for testing. Since animals are usually forced to live in small cages, they also lose the ability to fulfill natural behaviors like chewing, digging, and exploring.
Are animal welfare laws effective in preventing scientists from treating their subjects cruelly?
Unfortunately, no. The only federal law that applies to animals used for testing is the Animal Welfare Act, which only regulates cage size, cleanliness, and food and water, but does not limit the procedures that can be performed. This law excludes rats, mice, birds, cold-blooded animals, and animals commonly killed for food—so rats and mice, the animals most commonly used in toxicity tests, are not even given minimal protections.
There’s also animal testing in schools—you've heard of frog dissection in anatomy class. Are there better methods to learn about anatomy that don't involve dissecting animals?
With today’s wide selection of high-quality alternatives, students of any age can learn without sacrificing kindness to animals. Students who use non-animal alternatives also gain an educational advantage, as studies have repeatedly shown that alternatives are a superior teaching method to traditional dissection.
