Little change as millions of animals still suffering in British laboratories

Pitiful 1.2% decrease in animal experiments

As the Home Office publishes the latest statistics detailing the number of animals used annually in scientific experiments, charity Animal Free Research UK warns that the Government is failing to take meaningful action to end the suffering of animals in British laboratories.

The new figures released today show that 2.64 million scientific procedures involving animals took place in 2024. Despite the Government’s commitment to work to phase out animal experiments, the figures represent a disappointing 1.2% decrease in total procedures compared to 2023.

The statistics also reveal that:

2,554,447 animals were used in experiments in British laboratories in 2024.

1,081,228 experiments were carried out for basic or applied research – and so were not required by regulation.

1,207,558 animals were used in the creation of genetically altered animals, but were not used in experiments.

There was a 289% increase in the use of cats compared to 2023.

Key details from the statistics:

16,147 procedures were carried out using specially protected species (cats, dogs, horses and non-human primates).

2,646 procedures used dogs (30% decrease compared to 2023), 82 procedures used cats (30% increase), 11,483 procedures used horses (0.6% increase) and 1,936 procedures used non-human primates (10.7% decrease).

99% of cynomolgus monkeys used were imported from Africa or Asia, so would have had to endure additional stress caused by transportation.

250 procedures were reported as the Forced Swim Test, an archaic test developed in the 1970s which involves placing mice in a container of water from which they cannot escape. Scientific evidence now shows this is neither a useful model of depression, nor a reliable tool for predicting whether new antidepressants will be safe and effective for human patients.

48,224 procedures were reported to involve ‘severe’ suffering, just a 3.8% reduction compared to 2023.

In their manifesto, the Labour Party said they would “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing” and are due to publish their strategy on this topic this year. However, today’s figures are a stark reminder of just how much must be done for the Government to realise their aspirations – particularly given that more than 3.8 million animals have been licensed for use in experiments over the next five years, since the beginning of 2025.

Animal Free Research UK is calling on the Government to introduce Herbie’s Law as part of their strategy. This proposal would replace animal testing in medical research over the next decade, working closely with scientists to support a transition to modern, human-specific techniques.

Carla Owen, CEO of Animal Free Research UK, said: “While millions of animals are still being forced to suffer in British laboratories, a small reduction in the number of experiments changes nothing. These figures aren’t just numbers. Each one represents animal suffering that could and should be prevented.

“Licenses for animal testing are seemingly waved through with barely any scrutiny. In fact, according to latest available data, between 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2025 only one license to use animals has been denied¹. This will not change unless the Government takes real action.

“A negligible reduction is not good enough. Every day, animals are used in invasive, painful and outdated experiments. Meanwhile, animal-free alternatives are being overlooked – that are not only kinder, but deliver better, more reliable results.

“We need change now. That’s why we’re calling for Herbie’s Law – setting a clear deadline to replace animals and backing scientists with modern, human-specific research that works. Other countries are racing ahead towards humane, innovative science. Britain is being left behind.

“The public want an end to animal experiments. The Government must listen – and act now.”

¹ Data available here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-10/76477