Link to newsround

Why does animal testing happen?

Mouse used for medical testingSPL

British law says that any new drug used for medicine must be tested on at least two different types of live mammal. One of these must be a large non-rodent type animal.

This is to make sure the drug works and doesn't hurt you.

Animal testing has also sometimes been used for developing:

  • Household products

  • Agricultural chemicals

  • Industrial chemicals

  • Pesticides

  • Paint

  • Food additives

In some countries animals are also used to test beauty products. But this is not allowed in Britain any more.