Animal testing continues to raise hackles in some quarters

Animal testing is necessary says the Health Products Regulatory Authority, but not so claim certain animal welfare campaigners, who point to the rehoming of rabbits by one university as a welcome first step and want greater transparency

Gemma Lanigan, who runs Rabbit Rescue Ireland, in her kitchen with Alice the rabbit who has a laboratory serial number tatooed on her ear. Picture: Moya Nolan

Rabbits which were bred for testing in labs in the University of Galway have been rehomed for the first time, instead of being put to sleep, in a move welcomed by campaigners.

Figures released to the Irish Examiner show 42 rabbits were used for scientific research by the university since 2020, a small proportion of the total animals used for testing in Irish labs across the country.