Research and Testing

Rabbits are one of the most frequently used animals in research and testing due to their relatively large size and docile temperament.

The New Zealand White breed of rabbits are most commonly used in research and testing, although Dutch and other breeds are sometimes also used. In 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture licensees used nearly 140,000 rabbits in animal testing. [1]

In Canada, the federal government does not regulate animal research. The Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) establishes voluntary guidelines for animal research, however this non-governmental organization does not have legal authority to implement these guidelines. The only institutions that are required to follow CCAC guidelines are those that receive federal grant money. Private labs or privately funded research are not obligated to adhere to CCAC guidelines. [2]

In biomedical research, rabbits are frequently used as model organisms to study diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and AIDS, as well as bioreactors for the production of pharmaceutical proteins. At least 40% of the rabbits used in research in 2016 were subjected to procedures and experimentation that inflicted pain and stress.1 Lab rabbits that suffer from pain, stress, lack of stimulation or exercise often exhibit stereotypical behaviour such as appetite loss, self-mutilation, aggression, and depression.Individuals that are too weak or irreversibly damaged to be used in further testing are killed.

Rabbits are often the subjects of toxicity and safety testing for cosmetics, personal care, household products and other chemicals, and endure painful skin and eye irritation experiments, such as the Draize test. Animal testing for cosmetics is not a legal requirement in Canada and is banned in many countries, such as the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU).

Testing Laws in China

It is important to know that some countries, such as China, require cosmetic animal testing on ingredients and finished products. Although companies may state that they do not engage in animal testing, exceptions are made where required by laws and regulations. For example, in order for Estee Lauder (Clinique, MAC) to sell in China, they must pay for animal testing to be conducted on their products. While these companies may claim to not own animal testing facilities, or conduct the tests themselves, they are still accountable and responsible for the exploitation and death of thousands of rabbits.

Estee Lauder’s Policy on Animal Testing

Ways You Can Help

What can you do?
· Support cruelty-free companies
· Donate to cruelty-free charities
· Contact companies that test on animals and urge them to go cruelty-free
· Educate fellow consumers, friends, and family

HELPFUL LINKS

Charities that DO/DON’T Test on Animals

FOR A LIST OF COSMETIC COMPANIES THAT DON’T TEST ON ANIMALS, VISIT:

https://logicalharmony.net/cruelty-free-vegan-brand-list/

https://www.peta.org/living/beauty/these-companies-dont-test-on-animals/

http://www.leapingbunny.org/guide/brands/list

https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/list-of-cruelty-free-brands/

FOR A LIST OF COSMETIC COMPANIES THAT DO TEST ON ANIMALS, VISIT:

https://www.peta.org/living/beauty/companies-test-on-animals/

https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/companies-that-test-on-animals/