Media centre
Animal research is a complex, controversial and widely misunderstood issue.
For instance, claims that animals can be replaced by alternatives in experiments are contradicted by the fact it is illegal to use an animal if there is an alternative, and has been since 1986. Cosmetics and tobacco are not tested on animals. Testing pharmaceuticals is a small part of animal research.
Similarly, research animals are overwhelmingly mice, not dogs, and animal researchers are most likely to be found in universities, not pharmaceutical companies.
It is not a genuinely two-sided for/against issue. Animal rights activists may occupy one end of a scale, but scientists occupy the centre ground, accepting only experiments which have been approved as worthwhile by an ethics committee.
Understanding Animal Research welcomes approaches from the media. We can:
- Brief you on the topic you’d like to write about
- Provide third party evidence for claims
- Mythbust
- Provide media clips and pictures
- Provide quotes
- Help you access research facilities
- Put you in touch with scientists
Contact: Chris Magee, Head of Media and Public Affairs, on 07473 259859 anytime for more.
More information available throught these links:
