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PETA protest on Bristol Bridge
A white mouse looked forlornly over the Floating Harbour from Bristol Bridge as part of a protest by PETA against the so-called ‘forced swim test’.
Campaigners unfurled a banner over the side of the bridge overlooking Castle Park calling on the University of Bristol to ban the tests.
PETA claim that universities and pharmaceutical companies “have wasted time and resources by subjecting thousands of small animals to the cruel and scientifically meaningless” test.
“Watching rats gasp and scramble inside glass containers is cruel and worthless ‘science’,” said PETA senior campaigns manager, Kate Werner.
“PETA is calling on the University of Bristol to ban the forced swim test in favour of superior, non-animal research.”
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “As a research university, we are committed to a culture of care where animals are treated with compassion and respect.
“We are in regular conversation with the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) and the Home Office, as well as scientific societies and academic colleagues, so we can keep up to date with the latest thinking on all aspects of research using animals.
“We have ethical review processes in place which look at each research project individually to provide constructive feedback and to ensure that the most refined and appropriate methods are being used.
“We acknowledge that some people have concerns about the use of animals in research, but we also recognise that research involving animals is vital for advances in medical, veterinary and scientific knowledge to improve our understanding of health and disease and the lives of both animals and humans.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Animal rights campaigners light up Bristol Bridge
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