Response to letter from PETA

Last updated: Tuesday, 21 May 2024

To PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals),

Thank you for your letter (dated 17 May) regarding The University of Manchester's research practices and your proposal for phasing out animal research.

We appreciate you taking the time to share PETA's perspective and recommendations with us. At the University of Manchester, we have a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while prioritizing the welfare of animals in our care. As a signatory to the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research, our University, along with 127 other higher education institutions, bio-industry companies, charities and research councils, is committed to transparency and public engagement on animal research. We are actively working to develop and employ non-animal methods across various research areas, continuously striving to uphold the highest ethical standards and adhere to stringent regulations governing animal research in the UK.

Our university works closely with the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), a world-class organization that provides updates and guidance on implementing the 3Rs principles. These collaborations and resources ensure that we are at the forefront of efforts to reduce, refine, and replace the use of animals in research, in accordance with legislation and ethical frameworks.

Please be assured that we carefully evaluate the necessity and justification for animal use in each research project. We have robust ethical review processes in place and are committed to the principles of the 3Rs. Our animal welfare standards and practices are regularly assessed to identify areas for improvement.

We will review the Research Modernisation Deal proposal you shared with our research leadership teams, whose insights will help guide our long-term strategic planning around integrating non-animal methodologies.

The University of Manchester remains committed to being at the forefront of scientific best practices and we look forward to continued progress in phasing in alternatives to animal research that can benefit human health while upholding animal welfare.

We look forward to continued progress in phasing in alternatives to animal research that can benefit human health while upholding animal welfare.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing PETA's recommendations.

University Communications Team