1. Identify

Understand how animals are used in research, science, and education - and the welfare implications behind these practices

Medical and scientific research

Animals used in research may experience:

• Procedures that cause pain, discomfort, or distress

• Confinement within laboratory environments

• Restriction on natural behaviours and social interactions

• Repeated handling, testing, or interventions

• Euthanasia at the conclusion of studies

Product testing

Animals may be used to assess the safety of certain products, which can involve:

• Exposure to substances being tested

• Monitoring for physical or behavioural reactions

• Confinement during testing and observational periods

• Procedures designed to measure potential harm or irritation

• Welfare impacts associated with repeated testing

• Euthanasia after testing to examine internal effects

• Procedures that may cause irritation, illness, or distress

Education and training

Animals used in educational settings may experience:

• Use in classroom demonstrations or practical exercises

• Handling by students and trainees

• Confinement within teaching facilities

• Procedures carried out for learning purposes

• Limited ability to avoid unwanted interactions

Ethical alternatives and reduction efforts

Many organisations and researchers are working to:

• Replace animal use with alternative methods where possible

• Reduce the number of animals used in research

• Refine procedures to minimise suffering

• Improve housing, enrichment, and welfare standards

• Develop new technologies that reduce reliance on animals

2. Reflect

Consider what this means in relation to your own choices.

• How do I feel knowing animals may experience harm or distress in the pursuit of scientific knowledge?

• How do I weigh potential human benefits against animal welfare concerns?

• Have I considered the role animals have played in medical advances and product development?

• What level of animal use, if any, do I consider ethically acceptable?

• How important is it to me that alternatives are developed and adopted where possible?

• Do I understand enough about this issue to form an informed opinion?

• Do my views reflect my broader values around compassion, necessity, and reducing harm?

3. Decide

Consider what steps feel realistic and meaningful for you.

Possible actions:

• Learn more about how animals are used in research and education

• Explore the ethical arguments from different perspectives

• Support the development of alternatives to animal testing

• Research company policies regarding animal testing and product development

• Choose products certified as not tested on animals where appropriate

• Stay informed about advances in non-animal research methods

• Discuss the balance between scientific progress and animal welfare with others

• Continue reflecting on where you believe ethical boundaries should be drawn

This issue involves complex questions with no simple answers. Awareness can help us engage thoughtfully with the challenges of advancing human knowledge while considering the wellbeing of other sentient beings.