Views On Animal Experimentation, 2007

The British public exhibits faith in certain aspects of the regulatory system for animal experimentation (i.e., the duty of inspectors to report misconduct). However, there is suspicion about other aspects of the, including conducting experiments without a license. The public is generally more accepting of animal experimentation if it serves human rather than environmental purposes, and the conditions of that support have not changed significantly since 2006.

Attitudes Towards Regulation of Animal Experimentation:

• Two-thirds (67%) of British residents sat they trust the inspectors of animal facilities to report misconduct that may be occurring.
• 60% think the rules governing animal experimentation in Britain are likely to be tough.
• 54% expect that animal experimentation rules in Britain are well enforced.
• 35% say that they do not trust the regulatory system for animal experimentation.
• 55% trust scientists not to cause unnecessary suffering to the animals being used in experiments.
• 65% disagree that they are not interested in the animal experimentation issue.

Acceptance of Animal Experimentation:

• 74% can accept animal experimentation as long as it is for medical research.
• 76% can accept it so long as there is no unnecessary suffering caused to the animals.
• 50% agree that experimentation for medical purposes should only be conducted for life-threatening diseases.
• 71% say they agree with all types of medical research if there is no available alternative.

Opposition to Animal Experimentation:

• 18% think the government should ban all animal experimentation for any form of research, while 64% disagree.
• 26% oppose experimentation because of the importance of animal welfare.

Attitudes Toward Animal Activists:

• Overall, the majority of British adults find it acceptable for animal rights organizations to hand out leaflets, write letters, or ask people to put a protest sticker or poster in their window about experimentation.
• However, the use of “terrorist” methods, physical violence, or the destruction of property are not condoned.