More than 1 million mice used in Australian research annually, ‘overdue’ study finds — SkimNews
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- Malcolm France compiled Australia’s first nationwide count of research mice and rats, finding 1,193,619 mice and 46,961 rats used in research, teaching and testing in 2024; animals bred for research but not used were excluded.
- The pilot study undertaken for the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching focused on mice and rats as a first step toward national statistics covering all research animals; gathering the 2024 data required multiple approaches, including a freedom of information request.
- Australia historically lacked overall animal-use statistics while the United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom and New Zealand published national data; within Australia, only New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania consistently published figures.
- Bella Lear, chief executive of Understanding Animal Research Oceania, called nationwide data vital to demonstrating the scope and capability of Australian research alongside its welfare practices.
- Suzie Fowler, chief science officer at RSPCA Australia, said public accountability requires reporting on animal use and welfare outcomes; nesting material and added social interaction can meet behavioural preferences, while some practices and procedures can significantly reduce animals’ ability to have a good life.
- Liberty Foundation opened Australia’s first adoption centre specialising in small research animals earlier this year, and director Paula Wallace said usage statistics would help organisations like hers identify animals suitable for rehoming.
Why it matters: For research organisations, welfare groups and the public, the 1,193,619-mouse and 46,961-rat 2024 snapshot supplies the national baseline Australia previously lacked for tracking animals used in research, welfare priorities and resource allocation. With only New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania consistently publishing, the count also makes reporting gaps visible rather than resolving them.
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