Public Opinion In Sweden On The Use Of Animals In Research

This article describes a study conducted in Sweden regarding public opinion on the use of animals in research. The researchers found that 7 in 10 Swedes say the use of animals in research is acceptable for medical research aimed at finding cures for diseases. Young people have the most negative attitudes toward animal research.

Survey respondents most commonly associate the term “animal experiments” with medical research, although many also associate it with makeup and hygiene products.

Major Findings:

• 3 out of 10 respondents believe that cosmetics are tested on animals in Sweden, even though it has been banned since 2004.
• Of the 30% of respondents who consider animal experimentation to be unacceptable in medical research for the purpose of curing disease, one third felt that some experiments could be acceptable in certain situations.
• 7 out of 10 Swedish respondents accept the use of animals in research if its aim is to acquire more knowledge about diseases and how they can be prevented and cured.
• 6 out of 10 have seen or heard something about animal experiments during the past year.
• 6 out of 10 respondents think they know of a context in which animal experiments are conducted in Sweden.