UBC Unveils 2024 Animal Research Statistics, Highlights Commitment to Welfare

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has released its annual statistics regarding animal involvement in research for 2024. This marks the 15th consecutive year that the university has published such data, reflecting its commitment to transparency in research practices. UBC is among a select group of Canadian universities that provide an annual report on animal research statistics, adhering to standards set by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), which oversees the ethical treatment of animals in scientific endeavors.

Jennifer Ogeer, UBC’s university veterinarian with Animal Care Services, emphasized the significance of animal research in medical advancements. 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.”

At UBC, the involvement of animals in research is approached with caution. Animals are utilized only when absolutely necessary, and their welfare is prioritized throughout the research process. The university adheres to rigorous regulations and veterinary oversight, ensuring the highest standards of animal care are maintained.

2024 Research Statistics and Animal Welfare Initiatives

In 2024, UBC reported that a total of 182,407 animals participated in 435 research and teaching protocols. This represents a 1% decrease in the total number of animals compared to the previous year, when 443 protocols were recorded. The majority, over 98%, of the animals involved were rodents, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Specifically, the data shows that more than 46% of the animals were rodents, totaling 84,761, a slight increase from 82,001 in 2023. Fish accounted for over 39%, numbering 71,747, down from 76,286 the previous year. Reptiles and amphibians represented almost 13% of the total, amounting to 23,050, compared to 24,404 in 2023.

According to the CCAC’s categories of invasiveness, 60% of the animals, or 109,573, were involved in procedures deemed to cause little or no discomfort or stress. These included observational studies, blood sampling, and tracking of wild animals.

Commitment to Ethical Research Practices

UBC maintains a guiding principle of refining and reducing the use of animals in research whenever possible. The university’s animal care committee, composed of research experts, licensed veterinarians, and community representatives, rigorously reviews and approves all procedures involving animal subjects.

In addition to sharing its statistics, UBC also offers a virtual tour of its animal care facilities, allowing the public to gain insights into its research and care practices. For more detailed information about UBC’s 2024 animal research statistics, oversight measures, and recent scientific achievements, visit the university’s dedicated website at https://animalresearch.ubc.ca.

The university’s ongoing commitment to ethical research practices and animal welfare underscores its role as a leader in responsible scientific inquiry.