UK Government Aims to Phase Out Animal Testing by 2030

Wed Nov 12 2025 12:26:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant policy shift, the UK government has unveiled plans to phase out animal testing, aiming for replacements through innovative technologies and methods by 2030.

The UK government has announced its strategy to phase out animal testing as part of a manifesto pledge. Key components include ending animal testing for major safety tests by the end of the year and reducing the use of dogs and non-human primates for human medicines by 35% by 2030. The approach focuses on replacing animal trials with technologies like 'organ-on-a-chip', AI, and human cells, although experts warn of the challenges in achieving 'near-zero' animal use in research.

The government has detailed for the first time how it aims to fulfill its manifesto pledge to work toward phasing out animal testing.

The new plans include replacing animal testing for some major safety tests by the end of this year and cutting the use of dogs and non-human primates in tests for human medicines by at least 35% by 2030.

The Labour Party stated in its manifesto that it would partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing.

Science Minister Lord Vallance told BBC News that he envisions a future where the use of animals in science is almost completely phased out, though he conceded it would take time.

Animal experiments in the UK peaked at 4.14 million in 2015, largely due to an increase in genetic modification experiments – primarily involving mice and fish. By 2020, the number had fallen sharply to 2.88 million as alternative methods were developed. However, this decline has since plateaued.

Lord Vallance emphasized the need to reignite the downward trend by replacing animal testing with experiments on animal tissues grown from stem cells, AI, and computer simulations.

Experts express skepticism about achieving 'near zero' tests on animals, pointing out the complexities of biological systems. Prof. Frances Balkwill of Barts Cancer Institute noted that while non-animal methods are advantageous, they cannot fully replicate the complexities of a living organism.

Ongoing efforts are centered on developing alternatives such as 'organ-on-a-chip' technology, which utilizes human cells to test drug efficacy, promising better quality science.

From the end of this year, several safety tests, including the pyrogen test currently performed on rabbits, will shift to new methods utilizing human immune cells instead.

The government's comprehensive plan includes setting up a Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods and increasing funding for innovative approaches, alongside a cautious endorsement from organizations like the RSPCA who advocate for responsible science.

This ambitious agenda acknowledges the difficulties ahead, as various stakeholders weigh in on the practicality of reducing animal testing without compromising scientific integrity.