We publish the most reliable figures EVER for the number of animals used in tests worldwide and announce the ten biggest using countries
Today on World Day for Animals in Laboratories we have released the most up-to-date and accurate estimate for the number of animals used in tests worldwide. We can reveal a horrifying 79.9 million tests on animals are estimated to have taken place worldwide in 2015.
The estimate was then extended to cover the number of animals that are killed for their tissues, genetically modified but then not used or bred for experiments but not used or killed as surplus. This more comprehensive estimate suggests that a shocking 192.1 million animals are used every year in research around the world.
Our findings show that the top 10 animal users in 2015 were: China (20,496,670 experiments); Japan (15,033,305); United States (14,574,839); Canada (3,570,352); Australia (3,248,483); South Korea (3,110,998); Brazil (2,179,621); United Kingdom (2,586,942); Germany (2,044,894) and France (1,901,752).
For the first time we also calculated the number of tests on monkeys and dogs worldwide. We estimate that a horrifying 207,724 tests using dogs and 158,780 tests using monkeys took place in 2015.
Dr Katy Taylor, our Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs, says: "Despite growing public concern and increasing availability of more humane and human-relevant non-animal methods, animals continue to be used in cruel and unreliable tests all over the world. The numbers of tests estimated to have used dogs and monkeys globally is staggering. We appeal to the world’s decision-makers to do something about this NOW."
It is only together we can continue to fight for a world where no animal suffers in a laboratory. Will you remember forgotten animals in laboratories on this important day?
Please show animals in laboratories you care for them by making a gift today.