Link to newsround

Are there alternatives to animal testing?

Syringes and test tubesSPL

Alternatives include:

  • Taking human tissue samples and testing the drugs on them in a test tube.

  • Carrying out experiments using computer models and programmes.

  • Looking at large numbers of statistics.

Animal researchers say that it will be impossible to stop all animal tests.

But most scientists accept that it is extremely important to minimise the suffering of laboratory animals, and to use as few animals as possible.

How do I know which products have been tested on animals?

Some companies and shops offer products that have not been tested on animals. They often put information about this on their website. You can also write and ask the makers of your favourite products for more information.