{
  "id": 7833590,
  "title": "Why it is time to restate the case for the importance of research on animals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-it-is-time-to-restate-the-case-for-the-importance-of-research-on",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-16T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2589298-__trashed-126/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Governments across the globe are now discussing the possibility of ending animal testing altogether. The United States and the United Kingdom recently published plans to work towards this goal, while the European Commission did so a few months ago. It is worth acknowledging the progress made in developing technological alternatives to some types of animal research, as some of these alternatives provide more accurate results compared to the experiments they replace. However, caution must be exercised to avoid overstating the potential for a complete ban on animal testing. This fear of overestimation is not only seen in headlines but also in policy documents that mention \"phasing out\" animal testing when the reality is that it cannot be completely eradicated. In fact, some scientists have faced violent threats, with Molotov cocktails being used against their properties. There is an undeniable need for certain kinds of animal research to address fundamental biological inquiries and ensure drug safety. Therefore, while striving to minimize animal testing to the greatest extent possible, it is crucial to reiterate the significance of animal testing. A historical example of the consequences of overestimating the end of animal testing can be observed from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when extreme animal rights activists resorted to violence, including arson, and even made calls to murder scientists conducting animal experiments. Newspapers reported on such incidents, and national newspapers published calls for the murder of those performing animal experiments. If we communicate the message that animal testing can be gradually phased out, we risk painting the scientists who continue it as deliberately causing harm to animals. This misinterpretation might lead us back to those dark and violent times, and abandoning the valuable animal tests without reliable alternatives could pose risks to our health and safety. In conclusion, while the pursuit of reducing animal testing where feasible is undoubtedly commendable, it remains impossible to completely eradicate animal testing.",
  "summary": "Recent progress on alternatives to animal testing is hugely welcome. But talk of \"phasing out\" animal research completely is misleading and could even be dangerous to scientists",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}