March 28, 2024

UBC defends animal testing

The University of British Columbia defended its use of animal testing Monday, claiming a majority of more than 200,000 animals were used in basic science projects that cause less than minor or short-term stress. 

“(All animal-testing projects) go through the same stringent review (on the university’s ethics committee),” said Helen Burt, associate vice-president, research and international. “If the study is approved, it’s only because animals are absolutely necessary for those purposes and no other methods would be appropriate.” 

In 2010, 211,604 animals were used for scientific research at the university — 55 per cent were rodents, 35 per cent were fish, six per cent were reptiles and amphibians, and one per cent were birds.

In addition, 1,863 small mammals, 1,570 large mammals, and 651 marine mammals were also involved.

Two-thirds of animals were used in basic biology, psychology, physiology and biochemistry projects to “help scientists advance knowledge about wild animals, about human and animal health, and about the world we live in.”

Twenty-seven per cent of animals were involved in medical studies, while five per cent were used for scientific breeding.

Brian Vincent, director of STOP UBC Animal Testing, called the information “light and fluff.”

“This doesn’t tell us anything about what they’re doing to the animals and the species (that are involved). They are still hiding lots of information,” he said.

Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver

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