UK Government Unveils Strategy to Eliminate Animal Testing

Wed Nov 12 2025 12:25:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a groundbreaking move, the UK government has announced its plans to gradually phase out animal testing, aiming for significant reductions in the use of animals for scientific research, particularly in drug testing, by 2030.

The UK government is embarking on an ambitious initiative to phase out animal testing, a commitment stemming from the Labour Party's manifesto. Key components of the strategy include replacing certain animal testing procedures with alternatives such as human cell testing and advanced technology like organ-on-a-chip models. The goal is to significantly minimize the reliance on animals, particularly dogs and primates, for medical research by the end of the decade.

The government has detailed for the first time how it aims to fulfil 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 phasing out animal testing. Science Minister Lord Vallance expressed optimism about reaching a future with minimal animal testing, despite acknowledging the challenges.

Animal experiments in the UK peaked at 4.14 million in 2015 and have since declined to 2.88 million by 2020 due to advancing alternatives. Vallance emphasized the need to reinvigorate this downward trend by employing technologies like stem cell-derived tissues, AI, and computer simulations.

By the end of 2025, major safety tests will no longer require animal testing, with scientists encouraged to use newer lab methods involving human cells instead.

Experts, however, are divided on the feasibility of completely phasing out animal testing. Some advocate for non-animal methods while cautioning that certain complex biological functions cannot be fully replicated without live animal studies.

The government's plans also entail setting up a Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods and providing increased funding for research in this area to foster the development of effective non-animal testing methodologies.

The RSPCA has praised the initiative as a significant step forward but emphasizes the importance of effective implementation.