Increase in deadly ‘Botox’ toxicity testing drives appalling 2023 rise in Irish animal experiments
The Irish Anti-Vivisection Society (IAVS) is deeply appalled at the latest annual increase in animal suffering in Irish labs. Statistics for the year 2023 reveal 107,873 animal experiments, an increase of 14,934 or 16% compared with 2022.
The figures for the pain and suffering caused by these experiments make for even more worrying reading. There has been a disturbing rise in the number of animals forced to endure ‘severe’ suffering, going up from 13,212 to 19,816, an increase of 6,604 or almost 50%.
The ethical crisis in Irish labs is highlighted by the fact that the increase in numbers and severity is largely down to an expansion in the testing of ‘Botox’-type products, most of which are suspected of being destined for cosmetic use. These tests come under the categories of ‘batch potency’ testing, with previous HPRA statements indicating they represent about 75% of the tests in these groups. In 2023, the number of animals used in batch potency tests increased from 58,113 to 68,539, leading to an estimate of over 51,000 animals killed in ‘Botox’ testing.
Botulinum toxin – of which ‘Botox’ is just one brand - is one of the most powerful biological poisons known to humanity. For each test, the mice are divided into 3 or 4 groups, each receiving different strengths of the toxin. Those in the highest-strength group start showing signs of poisoning within hours, with paralysis of the lower body, leading them to stagger or be unable to walk. After about a day, the paralysis starts to affect the respiratory muscles, making the mice gasp for air, start to literally go blue, and die of asphyxiation. The paralysis can also stop some of the animals reaching food and water, and this can be a cause of death before the toxin, further undermining the scientific validity of the test as well as exacerbating the animals’ suffering.
Brands of cosmetic Botulinum toxin available in Ireland include: Relfydess, Vistabel, Azzalure, Alluzience, Bocouture, Nuceiva and Letybo. All are tested on animals to some extent. Neither the HPRA, nor the Government, will disclose which of the above brands are subjected to which specific animal-based tests in Ireland.
How you can help
The Irish Anti-Vivisection Society calls on the Irish Government to enact legislation immediately to ban the LD50 Botulinum Toxin Potency Test for cosmetic procedures.