A new survey shows that Americans' attitudes toward experiments on animals have changed significantly in recent years, with the vast majority now favoring phasing out animal experiments in favor or other research methods. The poll was conducted by Morning Consult on Sept. 5, 2024, and included 2,205 adults.
Given the statement, "The US government should commit to a plan to phase out experiments on animals," 80% agreed or strongly agreed. Similar responses were elicited to the statement, "Government funding should prioritize research methods that do not involve animal testing" and "Animal experimentation should be phased out in favor of more modern research methods" (approximately 85% agreement on both). Responses were generally similar regardless of sex, location, age, or education.
"The results reflect the growing appreciation of animals' inner lives, since Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees in Africa," said Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee, which commissioned the survey. "Also, we now have research technologies that allow us to harmlessly study human beings in ways that were not possible a few decades ago. The use of animals now seems more antiquated.
" The new survey represents a continued shift away from support for animal research. A 2018 Pew Research Center study found that 47% of Americans were in favor of using animals in scientific research labs and 52% opposed it. Continued revelations about laboratory abuses have likely fueled the shift.
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