UBC Reports 2024 Animal Research Statistics with Transparency

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has released its animal research statistics for 2024, marking the 15th consecutive year the institution has published such data. UBC stands out among Canadian universities for its commitment to transparency in animal research, providing these statistics as part of its accountability to the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), which oversees ethical practices in animal use for scientific purposes.

Jennifer Ogeer, the university veterinarian with UBC Animal Care Services, emphasized the importance of animal research in advancing medical knowledge. She stated, “Animal research is essential to advancing medical knowledge and developing better treatments for both humans and animals. This research also supports animal welfare, conservation and preservation efforts around the world, including responses to climate change and environmental impacts.” Ogeer further noted that UBC only involves animals in research when absolutely necessary, prioritizing their welfare and ensuring compliance with all regulations and veterinary oversight.

2024 Research Statistics and Animal Involvement

In 2024, UBC reported that a total of 182,407 animals participated in 435 research and teaching protocols. This figure represents a one percent decrease from the previous year, where 443 protocols were reported. The majority of the animals involved in research at UBC were rodents, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Specifically, more than 98 percent of the research subjects fell into these categories.

Among the animals used, 46 percent were rodents, totaling 84,761, an increase from 82,001 in 2023. Fish accounted for over 39 percent of the total, with 71,747 individuals involved, down from 76,286 the previous year. Reptiles and amphibians made up nearly 13 percent of the count, totaling 23,050, compared to 24,404 in 2023.

Of the animals involved, 60 percent, or 109,573, participated in procedures categorized by the CCAC as causing little or no discomfort, stress, or only minor stress of short duration. These methods included behavioral observations, blood sampling, and the tagging and tracking of wild animals.

Commitment to Ethical Research Practices

UBC’s research practices are guided by a commitment to the principles of the 3Rs: reducing, refining, and replacing the use of animals in research. The university’s animal care committee, comprising research experts, licensed veterinarians, and community representatives, rigorously reviews and approves all procedures involving animals.

In addition to publishing research statistics, UBC offers a virtual tour of its animal care facilities, allowing the public to gain insights into the standards and practices employed in animal research. For further information regarding UBC’s 2024 animal research statistics and the oversight mechanisms in place, visit https://animalresearch.ubc.ca.

The university’s ongoing transparency reflects its dedication to ethical research practices while contributing to significant medical and scientific advancements that benefit both human and animal health.