What Does America Think About Animal Research?

Americans remain divided over moral acceptability of animal research and testing; however, FBR’s latest polls indicate they are more likely to support animal research and testing when they are well-informed about the role of animal models in the development of medical treatments and vaccines and also when decision-makers and influential leaders publicly support animal research.

A majority of participants – 57% – in FBR’s March 2021 poll said the humane use of animals to develop lifesaving medicines for people and pets is morally acceptable when there is no other effective way to do the research and no unnecessary suffering for the animals. Moral acceptability rose even higher – to 59% – when participants were also told that world-famous animal welfare activist Dr. Temple Grandin supports animal research. By contrast only 47% of participants viewed the humane use of animals in scientific research as morally acceptable when they were not informed about the lack of alternatives to animal research or the strict regulations guiding animal research.