Nottingham animal rights activists protest rise in animal experiments at the University of Nottingham

Statistics released by the University of Nottingham show that a 25 per cent increase in animal experimentation on its campus, up from 23,095 in 2018 to 28,862 in 2019.

Animals included in experiments include mice, rats, guinea pigs, and ferrets.

Campaigners argued that guinea pigs are exposed to high-pitched, loud noises for up to an hour inside make-shift sound-proofed cages to induce tinnitus.

The campaigners also claimed that mice and rats were placed on hot burning plates to test the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – ibuprofen developed by Boots. 

Ayrton Cooper, a spokesperson for the Animal Justice Project , states ā€œNottingham University animal experiments have risen a staggering 25 percent in a year.”

“Most, if not all, of this research falls under the ā€œbasic researchā€ category ā€“ which means it needs have no direct benefit to human health,” he continued.

ā€œWe believe the public will be shocked to learn that this university is inflicting suffering on guinea pigs and other animals, and that Nottingham students will be unaware of animals even being housed on campus.ā€

Ayrton Cooper (right) is talking to visitors on the demonstration

In a statement, the university says ā€œall animals are kept in the best possible environment to ensure their health and wellbeing.   

ā€œThey are typically housed in cages or pens filled with bedding and nesting materials and additional play items to prevent boredom. 

“The cages are cleaned and changed frequently to maintain a healthy living environment for the animals.ā€

ā€œAnimals are usually housed in groups to allow for normal social interaction and are handled frequently by staff.”

“This ensures they are used to people, making it easier for staff to check they are in good health.ā€

A demonstrator in Old Market Square

Jordan Stephen Candeias, an animal right activist, said, ā€œWe strongly believe that the animal models are completely ineffectiveā€¦ animals react completely differently to drugs in the way we do.ā€ 

He also said that drugs tested successfully on animals might have side effects on human being.

ā€œWe now have human volunteers, computer models, tissue samples, organ donors and biochipsā€¦so many different ways [that are] more effective without harming animals,ā€ said Jordan.

The university says they are actively engaged in the development of a number of alternative methods such as computer modelling, tissue culture, cell and molecular biology, and research with human subjects.

By Qing Na

All images credit: Qing Na

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