In what was a commonly used test, experimenters in Japan would force dogs to eat pesticide-laced food or breathe pesticide fumes for a year. Afterward, the experimenters killed them and dissected their bodies.
But now, after receiving proof from PETA scientists that data from the yearlong dog poisoning test aren’t used to protect humans, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has decided to stop requiring this cruel test.
With the assistance of the Japan Anti-Vivisection Association, PETA scientists pointed out that numerous governments, including those of the U.S., Canada, and the European Union, have eliminated this test from their pesticide registration requirements after discussions with PETA. Japan now joins the growing list of countries that have made the right decision for dogs and for science.
PETA scientists are also in contact with regulatory agencies in other parts of the world to encourage them to follow suit and are working to end all pesticide testing on dogs and all other animals. Animals should be regarded as individuals, not laboratory tools. With the help of caring people like you, one day we’ll be able to look back on chemical tests on living beings as part of a dark, painful time in history.
How You Can Help Animals in Laboratories
You don’t have to be a scientist to help animals suffering in laboratories. Here are some super-easy things that you can do to make a big difference:
- Buy only makeup and household products that aren’t tested on animals. To find out whether a product is cruelty-free, check out our database or one of our shopping guides.
- Say no to dissection in schools. Find out if your school or state has a dissection-choice policy, and if it doesn’t, let us know. We’re here to help you.
- If you or someone you know works in your school’s laboratory, contact us if you see anything that causes you concern.
- Spread the word! Let your friends know about the cruelty of animal experiments.
