Scientific testing on animals grew again last year, Home Office says

The number of licensed animal testing procedures in the United Kingdom was just over 3.7 million in 2008, a rise of 14% on 2007 and the seventh consecutive yearly rise. The number has risen from 2.6 million procedures since 1997.

The Home Office, which regulates animal testing, said that the increase in procedures was mainly the result of more breeding of genetically altered animals, accounting for nearly two …