- Dogs, cats and non-human primates together account for less than 1% of the animals used in research every year.
- Animals provide a useful model for diseases found in both humans and other animals. Even mice have a remarkably similar physiology to that of a human. Physiological systems such as the circulatory system, respiratory system, etc., function in much the same way as they do in humans. In fact, about 95% of animal research is done in rodents. The knowledge gained from research on animals provides a crucial insight into the developments of new treatments.
- About 100 million animals are used in research each year.
- Approximately 5 billion are consumed for food annually.
- Rats, mice and other rodents make up 85-90% of all research animals.
- 56% of animals used suffer no pain.
- 37% have pain relieved with anesthesia.
- 7% experience pain, as alleviation would compromise the validity of the data. Much of this work is directed at an understanding of pain.