News / University of Bristol
No more forced swim tests at University of Bristol
The University of Bristol has confirmed that it will no longer be using a controversial test that forces animals to swim.
For several years there have been protests at the use of the so-called ‘forced swim test’ with the university previously justifying its continued practice for scientific reasons.
The experiment sees rats or mice placed into a container of water with no means of escape in order to understand the neurobiology of stress.
is needed now More than ever
The Home Office confirmed in 2024 that the tests could soon be banned.
This came after a parliamentary question was tabled by North East Somerset & Hanham MP Dan Norris who said that “forcing frantic animals to swim for fear of drowning is horrifically cruel and it’s unnecessary”.
Norris urged the university “to get on the front foot and use this opportunity to stop tormenting gentle animals in the name of ‘science'”.
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “The University of Bristol has now stopped using the forced swim test because the research project which used it is due to conclude shortly.
“We are not expecting to undertake any future research which requires the use of the forced swim test.
“Scientific analysis following the use of the procedure in previous research here at Bristol has furthered our understanding of how stress hormones act upon the brain and what their function is.
“These findings have been published in leading journals like Nature Communications, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of stress at the molecular level.
“Such insights are crucial for the development of new treatments for stress-related disorders.
“We recognise that the forced swim test has prompted discussions around the ethics of using animals in research.
“These are important conversations, and we remain committed to open and ongoing dialogue about how and why animals are used in research.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Bristol University’s controversial forced swim tests could be banned
- PETA protest on Bristol Bridge
- Animal rights activists protest forced swim tests
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