This 4-page leaflet accompanies shocking new footage of animals being used for licensed experiments in UK laboratories - the first of its kind to be filmed in the UK in over a decade.
Every year, millions of animals are harmed in UK laboratories.
Many are used in toxicity testing where substances, like industrial chemicals or medicines, are tested on live animals to see if they cause harm.
The Licensed Cruelty campaign began when we saw footage of rabbits, rats, dogs, pigs and primates being used for licensed toxicity testing in UK laboratories in 2025.
This footage is unprecedented, showing a level of cruelty that’s gone unseen for years.
See video evidence
Please watch if you can (there is a ‘safe mode’ option) and share it widely. If you cannot watch, please read instead.
Shockingly, this cruelty is not illegal. In fact, it is licensed and regulated by the Home Office.
The footage, filmed by laboratory workers and shared with Animals International, shows:
- Monkeys restrained in ‘primate chairs’
- Pregnant rabbits immobilised in plastic containers
- Chemicals applied to wounds cut into pigs’ backs
- Rats squeezed into ‘inhalation towers’
- Beagles and monkeys wearing masks for forced inhalation
The purpose is to test the toxicity of industrial chemicals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical drugs, including ‘every day’ medications sold to the public.
We know this footage will spark outrage. As well as your support online and on the streets, we also need pressure at a political level. Political and regulatory traction isn’t happening fast enough – millions of animals will continue to suffer without an immediate end to using animals in science.
Click on the images below to enlarge.
