OVER 9000 living animals have been subjected to animal experimentation at the University of York in the last calendar year, according to data acquired by Vision.
This figure comprises 8989 mice and 111 frogs, all of which have been used in experiments conducted by the Biology or Psychology departments.
In 2011 the figure was in excess of 10,000, with 9928 mice, 234 rats, 138 frogs and 30 starlings being used in experiments carried out on the University’s premises.
As of May 13 2013, there were 2160 animals held on the University’s premises, although that figure fluctuates on a daily basis.
Third-year Biology student Tom Merriman told Vision: “Obviously it’s a topic that splits opinion pretty strongly, but if York wants to remain a world leader in Biology research, then working with the very animals it studies is an unfortunate necessity to further our knowledge and understanding.”
Indeed animal experimentation is a controversial issue, arousing mixed reactions from different people. Third-year Chemistry student Aidan Pilgrim remarked: “It’s a necessary part of testing for many areas, and it has led to a lot of medical advances,” whilst second-year Economics student Chris Butterworth added: “experimenting on animals for life saving drugs is okay, as long as the animals are treated well while they’re alive.”
In contrast, a third-year Economics student, who asked to remain anonymous, told Vision: “In my opinion animal experimentation is cruel and inhumane, despite its potential benefits. We wouldn’t conduct such tests on humans, so why on animals?”
However York’s figures pale into insignificance when compared to those of rival institutions such as Kings College London who used 108,923 animals in experiments in 2011, with creatures as diverse as guinea pigs, zebrafish and marmosets tested upon. Oxford University surpassed this figure by conducting experiments upon 149,476 mice and thousands more other creatures in the same year.
University of York spokesman David Garner cited the University’s statement on the use of animals in research which reads: “The University of York carries out world-class research, some of which requires the use of animals. However, studies involving animals form only a part of an overall programme of work alongside techniques such as cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, computer modelling and the study of samples from humans.
“The use of appropriate animal species allows researchers at York to make a vital contribution to the understanding of fundamental physiological and psychological processes, which ultimately enables ways to be devised to combat medical (including mental) disorders and transmissible diseases.
“The University is committed to the replacement of animals with alternative methods wherever possible, the use of the minimum numbers of animals required to meet the objectives of the study, and the refinement of procedures so as to maximise animal welfare.
“The purpose is to make certain that the research carried out on animals is conducted humanely, and only when there is no alternative.”
Finally somebody is making an issue out of this instead of the usual “weapons research” bullshit. Kudos.
That doesn’t mean it’s an actual issue. It’s kind of the only way they can actually do it.