Animal Experimentation

Abstract

While most of this book emphasizes the plight of animals in the food system, it is worth thinking at length about animals used in experiments as well. By most recent estimates, the number of animals killed each year in or for experiments is high and rising. One study from 2005 puts conservative worldwide estimates at 58.3 million animals used in research and 115.3 million if research-related uses are included. Moreover, since that time, the number of animals used in the UK has rapidly expanded. While these numbers are small relative to the number of animals killed for food, the use of animals in experiments is a fascinating case study regarding conceptions of progress and anthropocentrism.