Dogs, cats and rabbits were among almost 93,000 animals used for research and scientific experiments in Ireland last year, according to newly released figures. It represents a decrease of over 23 per cent compared to 2021. However, there was a notable rise in the number of dogs, cats, rabbits and horses used in lab tests last year. The most frequently used animals in 2022 were mice, around 50,000 of which are understood to have been used in lethal experiments intended to test the strength of cosmetic botox.
2022 Statistical Report for Animal Experiments
The IAVS condemns the grim toll of almost 93,000 animals in Irish vivisection labs during 2022. The figures only count experiments that are likely to cause the animals pain, distress, suffering and lasting harm. Almost all the animals die during or are killed after the tests, even when they could be rehomed.
Animal testing for cosmetics continues to be permitted
The European Chemicals Agency ECHA demanded from the German company Symrise to perform additional animal experiments for the registration of two sunscreen ingredients. On November 22, 2023, the Court announced that Symrise had lost the case - the company is now forced to carry out the animal tests.
IAVS calls for Government inquiry into RCSI
The IAVS has today called on the Irish Government to establish an inquiry into whether the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) should be banned from receiving EU research grants following the College’s animal cruelty breaches.
RCSI evade EU animal welfare rules with US experiments
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland evaded EU animal welfare rules with lethal experiments on chinchillas at American University A Freedom of Information investigation by the...
