26.09.25
The UK Government announced at the start of 2024 its intention to end the use of the barbaric forced swim test in animal testing for studies on depression.
Fast forward to now, and the Minister of State at the Home Office, Lord Hanson, has indicated to our friends at PETA UK that the ministry no longer intends to grant licenses for the forced swim test. The last remaining permits are set to expire in 2028.
We welcome progressive decisions by the UK Government to end the suffering of animals used in animal testing. Tests like this are unreliable, unethical, and cause immense suffering. These animals literally fight for their lives, just to then be killed.
At Naturewatch Foundation, we continue to campaign and hold the current Labour Government to account in their commitment to phase out animal testing. With your support, we can end the suffering of millions of animals every year.
Learn more about what action you can take to help animal testing: https://naturewatch.org/campaigns/animal-experiments/
https://www.peta.org/news/uk-ends-forced-swim-test/
*Warning– this link contains footage of the forced swim test that can be distressing to view
