Ban immediately the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures
As a first step to end animal testing, we want an immediate ban for dogs. They are commercially bred in what we see as bleak and inhumane factory-like conditions. We believe there is evidence suggesting that dogs are left being unattended for extended periods in a Government-licenced establishment.
Signatures
257,938
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 100,000/100,000 · reached
- 14 AUG 2025Petition closedFinal total: 257,938 signatures
- 05 MAR 2025Government respondedDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyGovernment reply
The government does not agree to the proposed immediate ban as international guidance still requires data from animal testing to ensure the safety of medicines and products before testing in humans.
Read full response - 18 FEB 2025100,000 signatures reachedEligible to be considered for debate
- 16 FEB 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 14 FEB 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
In 2023, 2,456 dogs were used in 3,749 scientific procedures, 734 were classified as causing severe or moderate harm. There were 2,593 procedures for regulatory purposes even though there is no UK legislation that mandates animal testing. These procedures can include oral gavage, when a tube is inserted into the dog's throat, up to 3 times a day, to administer liquids to the stomach. There are studies questioning the reliability and human-relevant value of the outcomes of these tests.