100,000 animals used in TCD tests
MORE than 100,000 live animals have been used for biomedical research by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in the past five years, new figures have revealed. Last year alone, the university spent more than €310,000 procuring 24,990 test animals for use in experiments – and a further €10,000 disposing of carcasses. Animals used in biomedical research at TCD since 2012 include rats, mice, pigs and rabbits. Current regulations governing the use of animals for scientific purposes permit animal-based research only in cases where there is no alternative method of experimentation.
The number of animals used for research at TCD during 2016 increased almost four-fold compared to the previous year, prompting stern criticism from an organisation opposed to experimentation on animals.
Yvonne Smalley, chairperson of the Irish Anti-Vivisection Society (IAVS), called for stricter regulation of such practices.
“The IAVS is extremely disappointed that the number of animals procured by TCD for painful animal experiments almost quadrupled to 24,990 in 2016,” she said.
“TCD is supposed to be Ireland’s leading academic centre, but its behaviour towards animals is stuck in the Dark Ages.”
Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show 109,531 live animals were bought by TCD between 2012 and 2016 for use in biomedical research.
Last year, a total of €310,800 was used to purchase animals for this purpose – a marginal decrease on the €311,488 spent during 2015. An additional €10,004 was spent to dispose of the animals’ remains.
“Trinity College Dublin uses animals for biomedical research. This is in keeping with the practice of all Irish universities and leading universities worldwide,” said a university spokesperson.
“Animal studies are conducted only when they will contribute to the advancement of knowledge that is likely to lead to the improvement of the health and welfare of animals and human beings.”
Researchers at TCD are required to demonstrate that there are no alternatives to animal-based experiments before an ethical review committee will approve the procedures. Research projects for which animals have been used at the university include studies of human diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.