Primates in Research – the Case Against
Nonhuman primates share many of the important characteristics of humans. They are intelligent and highly evolved animals with complex behavioural and social needs. They are also wild animals and do not adjust well to a captive environment.
Primates are often housed on their own in small, barren metal cages for many years with no meaningful environmental enrichment. With little opportunity for mental stimulation and physical exercise, these animals frequently develop abnormal and self-destructive behaviours that may include pacing, rocking, swaying, bar biting, and self-mutilation.
In addition to ethical objections, there are also strong scientific arguments against the use of primates in research. Because of biological differences between humans and other primates, as well as the unnatural conditions in which the primates must live, the results of such research cannot be safely or reliably extrapolated to humans. Although it is true that the development of new treatments almost always involves animals, the key question is whether, scientifically, their use is necessary or beneficial. Just because primates are currently used in an area of research is not proof of its necessity. Primate research has been singularly unsuccessful in developing treatments for human illnesses.
Many of the barriers to eradicating primate use are not scientific, but cultural, economic and political. These must be strongly challenged and a fundamental shift in attitude encouraged.
To find out more about BUAV’s campaign to end the use of primates in research, go to:
