Historically, animal research has been a contentious subject in the public sphere. However, we believe it is a vital conversation.

While animal research is often thought of as something that happens behind lab doors, it is deeply ingrained in society. From medications to household products, most of us have used products or received treatments where animal testing and research played a role in their creation.

Our guide aims to help media professionals talk about animal research publicly in a transparent, accurate, and respectful way.

You can also visit our media information page.

Using the correct terminology

‘Animal research’ and ‘animal testing’ are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different activities.

While animal testing is the phrase most commonly used by the public, it is often not the correct term.

Animal testing refers to using animals in specific tests to evaluate whether products work and comply with safety standards before they are sold or marketed. This includes items such as batch-tested medicines or industrial chemicals.

Animal research covers a broader scope of scientific inquiry using animals, including basic biological research and the creation or breeding of genetically altered animals.

Read more in our guide animal research vs animal testing

How statistics are reported

Animal research statistics are published annually by the Home Office, covering England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland reports its statistics separately.

Published reports include:

• The number of regulated procedures using protected animals.
• The number of protected animals used in a regulated procedure for the first time.

Published reports do not include:

• The total number of animals used across all regulated procedures in a single year.
• The number of animals bred for research but never used in procedures.
• Unregulated species or procedures outside the scope of annual Home Office ASPA reporting.

Acknowledging the importance of all species

When attempting to encourage empathy, people often assign human traits to non-human animals. We believe this limits empathy to animals we can easily humanise, rather than expanding it to all species.

For example, fish are sociable and have complex memories, but they do not communicate or express themselves using human facial cues. They are no less deserving of respect because of this. Survey data reveals that 20% to 30% of the public are sceptical or unsure whether fish feel pain, scoring them significantly lower on “belief in animal minds” compared to mammals and birds.

By celebrating every species for their own unique traits and acknowledging variance within species, we ensure our empathy extends to all sentient beings.

Read more in our blog on animals and algorithms

Respecting researchers

Animal research is deeply entrenched in modern science. While “Replacement” is the primary principle of the 3Rs framework, the current system contains a structural flaw: it obligates the replacement of animals only when a suitable non-animal method already exists.

However, the existing research system makes it difficult for scientists to secure funding to experiment, innovate, and validate new non-animal methods.

We can acknowledge the suffering animals experience in laboratories without vilifying scientists working within a system built on legacy animal models. Respect for animals includes respect for humans.

Read more in our blog about why we talk the way we do.

Understanding the impact of language

The language we choose shapes how society views scientific research. Using clear, deliberate language encourages fresh perspectives.
For instance, we place single quotes around animal ‘models’. We do this for two key reasons:

1. A mouse model does not represent a mouse; it is an attempt to model human biology using a non-human animal.
2. Models are simplified copies of something real. An animal is an individual, sentient being, not merely a tool for human imitation.

For comments or further advice, contact us at hello@replacinganimalresearch.org.uk 0115 958 4740 or submit an inquiry through our contact form.