On Thursday 4th February, 7N and 8S had a talk from Glyn Fisher, manager of the Animal Research Unit at Saint George's University, London. He was representing Understanding Animal Research. Following his talk the pupils asked many questions and became far more informed about animal research.

Below are some of the comments made by the Brambletye pupils after the talk:

“It’s an amazing fact that 2 billion animals are slaughtered for food and 220 million animals are killed by domestic cats but only 3.7 million are used by animal researchers”

“Animal researchers only use three mice and one rat per person per lifetime for research in UK”

“It is incredible to see how many diseases have been either cured or treated using drugs and techniques developed using animal research”

“It is exceptional the lengths the animal units have to go to in order to keep the animals well and safe and happy. For example the animal house must be kept at 21oC +or- 1oC. The air in the room is filtered in and out and changes 35 times a day.”

“All of the researchers have to have a shower when they enter and leave the building so that they do not bring any viruses or bacteria into the animals”

“His talk has made me realise that animal research isn’t all bad”

“Every scientist has to have a special qualification to handle animals”

“It is incredible how they endure so much criticism but still manage to do their work”

“The inspectors from the government can do spot checks 24/7 for 365 days a year and will close a unit down if they aren’t following the regulations properly”

“It is better that they use rodents and fish rather than ‘higher animals’ like primates”

“Many of the rodents used are genetically modified especially for the experiments and can cost up to £60,000 each”

“The unit has a vet on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year”

“Happy well cared for animals give better results in the experiments so Glyn only hires people who really care for animals”

“For each experimental project you have to have approval from the Home office who issue a licence for that project”

“83% of the animals used are rodents, specially bred inside the facility”

“Animals used have to be disease free before the experiments start”

“Most of the experiments are classified as ‘mild’ which means the animal feels no pain at all”

“All the genetically modified mice have to be killed at the end of the experiment as it would be dangerous to set them free and let these genetic modifications get out into the wild”

IRP