Picture the dog at your feet, the guinea pigs or mice you had as pets growing up, or the birds at the feeder in your yard. Now imagine 25 million of animals just like these living in small laboratory cages and being deliberately sickened over the course of weeks, months, or even years--and then killed.
If animal experimentation was the hallmark of 20th century biomedical research, sophisticated non-animal methods are likely to characterize 21st century research. Many humane state-of-the-art alternatives to animal experiments have already been shown to be effective in advancing medical progress, cutting research costs, and eliminating animal suffering.
The HSUS is at the forefront of promoting these research methods and their continued development, as well as ending some of the most inhumane research practices. Until the day when animals are no longer used in harmful experiments, the HSUS, with your help, also strives to gain stronger legal protection for animals used in research, and seeks to limit animal use and suffering. Right now, approximately 95% of the animals used for research aren't afforded even the minimal protections of the Animal Welfare Act.
You Can Help
Tell the Governor of Puerto Rico to oppose the construction of a breeding facility that would supply the biomedical industry with thousands of monkeys for research and testing.
Take Action »
Watch The Video
A March 2009 undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States revealed psychological suffering of primates in research laboratories.
Questions and Answers About Biomedical Research
Get the basic facts about animals used in biomedical research.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 17, 2010
Louisiana Lab Urged to Retire its Chimps
The HSUS calls on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center to retire nine chimps to sanctuary.
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February 16, 2010
Willy, the Pickpocketing Macaque
The primates at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch endured much suffering before coming to the sanctuary.
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January 27, 2010
NASA to Use Monkeys in Radiation Experiments
The nation's space agency plans to carry out harmful experiments despite questions of relevance and inhumane treatment.
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January 14, 2010
Victory in Battle Over Monkey Breeding Facility Could be Temporary
Plans to build a monkey-breeding facility in Guayama, Puerto Rico have been suspended, but the victory could be fleeting.
Our Victories
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March 5, 2010
HSVMA Applauds Michigan State for Ending Terminal Surgeries on Dogs
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association applauds Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s decision to eliminate “terminal surgeries” on dogs.
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February 4, 2010
The HSUS Applauds Botox Manufacturer Allergan for Steps to Replace Controversial Animal Test
The HSUS applauds the Allergan Corporation for announcing its progress toward replacing a controversial animal test used in manufacturing its flagship product Botox Cosmetic, the popular anti-wrinkle treatment.
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January 14, 2010
Victory in Battle Over Monkey Breeding Facility Could be Temporary
Plans to build a monkey-breeding facility in Guayama, Puerto Rico have been suspended, but the victory could be fleeting.
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June 4, 2009
The HSUS, HSLF Applaud EPA's New Non-Animal Eye Irritation Labeling
Rabbits in U.S. laboratories will be spared having "germ-killing" antimicrobial cleaning products dripped in their eyes thanks to a new program that does not use animals to test and label these products for their eye irritancy potential.









