Half of adults are willing to accept animal experimentation if the purpose is to
test chemicals which could harm people. This is a significantly larger proportion
than that which can accept animal experimentation for testing chemicals which
could harm wildlife or the environment (42%). However, on both statements the
proportion of dissenters is notable (31% and 36% respectively).

The system that regulates animal experimentation in Britain is
held in fairly high regard.

• A clear majority (two-thirds) still say they would not be surprised
if some experiments go on behind closed doors, without an
official licence. However, suspicion about what ‘goes on behind
closed doors’ in animal facilities is lower now than in 2005.
Fewer people also distrust the regulatory system now than in
previous years.
• Trust in both the scientists using animals in research, and the
inspectors of animal research facilities, is fairly high and has not
changed much since 2005.
• The proportions of the public who can be defined as conditional
or unconditional acceptors of, or objectors to, animal
experimentation have not changed since 2005. This could signal
that public views on animal experimentation are stabilising.
• Although public acceptance and objection to animal
experimentation appears to be stabilising, a growing proportion
of people are neutral towards some statements about animal
experimentation. This suggests that for some people, animal
experimentation does not evoke strong feelings either way, or
that they have mixed feelings on the issue.
• The public is generally more accepting of animal
experimentation if it serves human rather than environmental
purposes. Nevertheless, a notable minority dissents on both
grounds.
• Objection to violent protest against animal experimentation, and
approval of peaceful protest remain high.