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.
Watch The Video
A March 2009 undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States revealed psychological suffering of primates in research laboratories.
You Can Help
Help wild monkeys caught in the island nation of Mauritius and shipped to U.S. research laboratories. TAKE ACTION »
Check out our list of top ten ways to help animals in laboratories. TAKE ACTION »
News & Events
-
January 20, 2012
Victory in Battle over Monkey-Breeding Facility
Following a highly publicized battle, Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Bioculture’s monkey breeding facility in Guayamna was constructed illegally and cannot operate.
-
January 6, 2012
Avoiding Animal Testing
By 2050, wrote HSI's Dr. Andrew Rowan in an article in The Scientist, we might finally see the last of animal use in the laboratory.
-
December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
-
December 15, 2011
The HSUS Praises Institute of Medicine Finding That Invasive Biomedical Chimpanzee Experiments Are “Not Necessary”
The Humane Society of the United States is “tremendously encouraged” by the Institute of Medicine’s conclusion that the current use of chimpanzees for invasive biomedical research is not scientifically necessary. This finding, among others, is found in the IOM’s report entitled “Chimpanzees in Biomedical and Behavioral Research: Assessing the Necessity,” which was released today.
Our Victories
-
January 20, 2012
Victory in Battle over Monkey-Breeding Facility
Following a highly publicized battle, Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Bioculture’s monkey breeding facility in Guayamna was constructed illegally and cannot operate.
-
December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
-
November 9, 2011
Five Chimpanzees Released from Laboratory Life
Five of the 26 elderly chimpanzees at New Iberia Research Center have been retired to a sanctuary. Please take action to free the 21 elderly chimpanzees who remain there, then help hundreds of other chimpanzees around the country who still suffer.
-
October 19, 2011
Great News! The U.S. Army Will Stop Using Monkeys in Harmful Training Courses
The U.S. Army has announced that live monkeys will be replaced with humane non-animal alternatives in future chemical warfare trainings. More than 1,000 HSUS supporters contacted the Army urging that the use of monkeys be stopped.