Scotland for Animals has obtained separate statistics for scientific procedures carried out on live animals in Scotland in 2018.
The total number recorded; 506, 901.
This is 14.4% of the UK total. Taking population into account, Scottish establishments are again responsible for a disproportionately large number of procedures.
Species involved include;
Mice
Rats
Guinea-pigs
Hamsters
Gerbils
Rabbits
Dogs
Horses
Pigs
Goats
Sheep
Cattle
Monkeys
Chickens
Frogs
Quail
Fish
Scotland for Animals Spokesman John Patrick;
“Again we see Scotland massively involved in experimentation, and the creation of genetically altered animals for so-called research.
Data shows that the “success rate” for practical results deriving from this is lamentable. Any other method with such dismal efficacy would have been abandoned long ago.
We want to see real, scientifically driven research, and for government to actively and openly support this.
Scotland could be, and we believe one day will be, a world leader in proper innovation without the use of animals.
We call on the Scottish Government to request immediate devolution of powers in this area, and to implement current powers to divert funds to research using non-animal models.
If it is really about saving lives this is the only way forward.”