UK Government Announces Plan to Phase Out Animal Testing

Mon Dec 01 2025 00:35:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The UK government has revealed a comprehensive strategy to phase out animal experiments, aiming to replace traditional testing methods with innovative technologies by 2030.

In a significant policy shift, the UK government has committed to phasing out animal testing, with plans to replace some major safety tests by the end of the year and reduce the use of dogs and primates by 35% by 2030. This initiative includes developing alternative methods such as lab-grown tissues and computer simulations. While many support the transition to non-animal testing, some scientists warn against a hasty move, citing concerns about safety and the complexity of biological research.

The government has detailed for the first time how it aims to fulfil its manifesto pledge to work toward phasing out animal testing.

The new plans include replacing animal testing for some major safety tests by the end of this year and cutting the use of dogs and non-human primates in tests for human medicines by at least 35% by 2030.

The Labour Party said in its manifesto that it would 'partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing'.

Science Minister Lord Vallance told BBC News that he could imagine a day where the use of animals in science was almost completely phased out but acknowledged that it would take time.

Animal experiments in the UK peaked at 4.14 million in 2015, driven mainly by a big increase in genetic modification experiments. By 2020, the number had fallen sharply to 2.88 million as alternative methods were developed.

According to the government's newly detailed plans, by the end of 2025, scientists will stop using animals for some major safety tests and switch to newer lab methods that use human cells instead.

Ministers also promise to provide increased funding for developing new alternatives, including £30m for a research hub. The RSPCA has welcomed the plan, viewing it as a significant step forward.

Some scientists express concern over the rush to adopt non-animal methods, arguing that they often lack the complexity needed to accurately mimic human biology.