Figures on animal test subjects in Victoria are rising

FROM pound pups to lab rats, more than one million animals were used for scientific testing in Victoria in a year, the first time the numbers have jumped in three years.

MORE than 1.08 million animals have been used for scientific testing in Victoria with the number rising for the first time in three years.

Pound dogs, koalas, horses, mice, rabbits, sheep and monkeys have been revealed to be among the research subjects in 2016.

Many were simply observed however many also underwent gruesome and horrific tests in the name of science.

Alarmingly the number of animals undergoing genetic modifications rose with 133,852 used in 259 separate projects.

Some included having devices implanted inside them for long-term monitoring while others were given major physical deformities and impediments.

THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS DYING EACH DAY IN VICTORIA

COSMETICS TESTED ON ANIMALS TO BE BANNED IN AUSTRALIA

Laboratory mice at the CSIRO. Picture John Feder.

Genetically bred white leghorn chickens.

However, the total number of animals killed in the name of science had dropped with only 6897 animals dying in tests where death was the proposed end point.

A further 79,858 animals were euthanased and disposed of after tests.

The Victorian figures were revealed in the annual data that shines a light on the sad cost of scientific advancement.

The state government records every live specimen used to help tackle numerous human diseases, products and breeding practices.

Animals activist group PETA Australia said the statistics were alarming and called for scientists to find alternative methods.

An animal technician with one of the lab rats.

“To its shame, Australia is estimated to be one of the largest animal-testing nations in the world today, falling woefully behind more progressive countries,’ said spokeswoman Emma Hurst.

“We must stop throwing taxpayer money at ineffective methods that promise only continued suffering and instead pioneer a future with animal-free science that holds genuine hope for curing human ailments.”

An Agriculture Victoria spokesman said all tests were approved and overseen by the department in order to ensure ethical treatment.

“The use of animals in research and teaching is, at this moment, an unfortunate necessity for the purposes of promoting the health of humans, animals and the environment,’’ he said.

“Victorian legislation ensures that unnecessary animal use is not permitted and mandates the considerate and respectful treatment of research animals.

“Recent amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act) have improved enforcement powers and established the Animals in Research and Teaching Welfare Fund for the purposes of compliance monitoring.”

There is a growing tide against animal testing in Austral; is with several groups now campaigning against the practice.

In April more than 60 animal activists blocked the entrance to CSIRO’s East Geelong plant.

Supporters in the Geelong Liberation Animal assembled to mark World Day for Animals in Laboratories.

In Victoria mice and fish make up the majority of the animals used and killed in labs, but Australian marsupials, guinea pigs and stray animals are also among the statistics.

Up to 181 primates including marmosets and macaques were used in studies in 2016, which is lower than the long-term average of 185.

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Animals used in experiments during 2016

Pounds dogs — 2945

Pound cats — 597

Lab Mice — 398,277

Guinea pigs — 3962

Lab Rabbits — 1464

Reptiles — 52

Macaques — 86

Marmosets — 95

Sheep — 85,677

Fish — 294,950

Horses — 704