Over 100,000 live animals have been tested in Trinity for research purposes since 2012. The figures have already drawn criticism and have dragged the college into the wider debate about the ethics of animal testing.
Information obtained under a freedom of information request by the Irish Independent revealed that, in 2016, Trinity spent €310,000 obtaining animals for research, with an additional €10,000 used to dispose of these animals.
Between 2012 and 2016, 109,531 animals were used in research, with the number of animals used in experiments in 2016 increasing by four times the amount used in 2015.
The figures have dragged Trinity back into the wider debate about the morality of testing on animals. While animal testing is standard practice in labs and universities around the world, Trinity has been the target of many campaigners in recent years.
Last year, one animal rights group protested the visit of Bengst Holst, the controversial Scientific Director of Copenhagen Zoo, to Zoo Soc. In a statement to the Irish Independent , a College spokesperson said the use of animals is “in keeping with the practice of all Irish universities and leading universities worldwide”.
“Animal studies are conducted only when they will contribute to the advancement of knowledge that is likely to lead to the health and welfare of animals and human beings.”
The use of animals in research and lab experiments is largely standard practice in Trinity. Researchers in the college must demonstrate that there are no alternatives to animal-based experiments. In recent years, Trinity has developed a strong scientific reputation for research into the likes of Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis, two areas in which animal testing has been used.
An ethical review committee approves each procedure and experiment. However, the figures released today have already triggered calls from animal rights groups for tighter regulation in the area.
Rats, mice, pigs and rabbits have all been used in biomedical research in Trinity since 2012.
