On 28 April 2025, MPs gathered in Westminster Hall to debate a high-profile petition calling for an immediate ban on the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures. The petition “Ban immediately the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures” has amassed over 230,000 signatures and has garnered support through activist campaigns. Understanding Animal Research (UAR) has acted to ensure accurate information was available to MPs prior to the debate.
Context behind the debate
The debate was opened by Irene Campbell MP, who argued that dogs are kept in "bleak and inhumane factory-like conditions" and questioned the scientific necessity and ethical justification for their continued use in research. UAR had briefed Ms Campbell before the debate to make her aware of the significant part dogs still play in the development of new medicines and how ethical guidelines are strictly followed both during research procedures and in maintaining the highest standards of housing and care.
Understanding Animal Research’s role
UAR played a key role in informing the debate. A briefing was sent to all MPs, ensuring they were aware of the misleading claims being made regarding the treatment of dogs in scientific research. Ms Campbell also participated in an additional briefing over a video call. During the debate, UAR was thanked for providing “helpful briefings”. UAR’s position, highlighted both in Parliament and in a BBC Radio 4 Today programme debate on the morning of the discussion, is that animal research, including the use of dogs, is a necessary part of ensuring new medicines are safe before they reach human trials. UAR emphasises that the majority of procedures involving dogs are classified as mild, and that animals are only used when a viable non-animal alternative is not available.
Government Response and Outcome
Despite arguments from MPs and campaigners, the government reiterated its position that an immediate ban on the use of dogs in research is not feasible. The government response, delivered in March and reaffirmed during the debate, stressed that international safety guidelines still require animal testing, including on dogs, to ensure the safety of medicines and products before human trials. The government committed to phasing out animal testing as a long-term goal, but maintained that, for now, the regulated use of animals remains necessary to protect human and animal health.
The debate did not result in any change to government policy. While MPs discussed the need for greater investment in alternatives and acknowledged shifting public attitudes, the official stance remains that animal research, including the use of dogs, will continue under strict regulation until validated alternatives are available.
Both the petition and government response can be found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/705384
Video footage of the debate can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/oQ3Vpixa_vU?si=2fGbHJbOtw-wLmq4
The BBC Radio 4 Today broadcast can be listened to here at the 2:54:29 timestamp: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002bhj6
Information on how dogs are used at MBR Acres can be found here: https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/beaglewiki
More information on how dogs are used in research can be found here: https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/using-animals-in-scientific-research/animal-research-species/dog
Last edited: 1 May 2025 13:18
