Number of animals used in science increased slightly in 2013, Home Office reports

The number of animals used in scientific procedures has risen slightly despite a government pledge to reduce the use of animals in such experiments, Home Office statistics have shown.1 In 2013 4.12 million procedures were carried out on animals—an increase of 11 600 procedures (0.3%) on 2012.

Most procedures (51%) were undertaken to breed genetically modified animals or animals with a harmful genetic mutation. In 2013 2.1 million such procedures took place—123 200 (6%) more than in 2012. The remaining procedures (2.02 million) were for other purposes, mainly basic or applied science experiments with the goal of improving human or animal health. …