280,000 animals used for testing in 2010

THE number of animals used for experimentation in Irish laboratories has rocketed 800% in five years, raising serious concerns among welfare groups.

Figures from the Department of Health show 280,000 animals were used in live experiments in 2010, up from just 38,000 in 2005. More than 80% of the animals were used for experiments conducted by “commercial establishments”. The remainder were spread across universities and colleges, hospitals, agriculture and veterinary institutes, fish farms and fisheries research institutes.

The Irish Anti-Vivisection Society said the figures were “unprecedented” and “disturbing”. It also said Ireland has one of the highest levels of animal testing in Europe.