Frequently asked questions
Why do you still research using animals?
In a university where biological sciences and medicine have a high profile, such as the University of Exeter, animals are sometimes necessary for research and teaching. Until satisfactory alternatives have been developed, the processes of discovery, enquiry and teaching require approaches that involve animals in order to gain a knowledge and understanding of molecular biology, ecology, behaviour, physiology and pathology, and in order to pass on that knowledge to students.
Scientists at the University of Exeter, in common with many other researchers, are constantly seeking ways to reduce the number of animals needed for research and teaching; refining experimental methods, and replacing animals wherever possible, working to the exacting requirements of the Home Office and funding agencies.
However, ‘alternative’ tests and models have yet to be developed that can properly reproduce the complex biological characteristics of humans and animals, and studies of wild animals in their natural environment will always require the involvement of the animals themselves.
Why aren’t there alternative research methods?
There are very many non-animal research methods, all of which are used at the University of Exeter. These include research using human participants, computer models and simulations, and statistical modelling.
By law, non-animal research methods must be used wherever possible. For many projects, of course, this will mean no animals are needed at all. For others, there will be an element of the research which is essential and for which there is no alternative means of obtaining the relevant information.
How many animals and what species are involved in research at the University of Exeter?
In 2022, 15672 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
In 2021, 17338 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
In 2020, 18008 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field
In 2019, 25696 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
In 2018, 32284 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field
In 2017, 27237 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
| Species | No. of procedures in 2017 | No. animals used in 2017 |
| Pheasant | 200 | 200 |
| Northern Gannett | 61 | 61 |
|
Corvidae |
356 | 356 |
| Pied Flycatcher | 217 | 217 |
| Guppy | 959 | 959 |
| Zebra Fish | 22144 | 22144 |
| Three Spined Stickleback | 909 | 909 |
| Swordtail | 9 | 9 |
| Fathead Minnow | 760 | 760 |
| Hump-backed Limia | 10 | 10 |
| Rainbow Trout | 174 | 174 |
| Sea Bass | 8 | 8 |
| Red Tail Splitfin | 3 | 3 |
| Basking Shark | 3 | 3 |
| Mice | 1308 | 1308 |
| Rat | 50 | 50 |
| Pine Marten | 12 | 12 |
| Bats | 54 | 54 |
| TOTAL | 27237 | 27237 |
In 2016, 30441 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
| Species | No. of procedures in 2016 | No. animals used in 2016 |
| Pheasant | 200 | 200 |
| Northern Gannett | 64 | 64 |
| Corvidae | 354 | 306 |
| Pied Flycatcher | 353 | 353 |
| Blue Tit | 269 | 269 |
| Guppy | 1118 | 1118 |
| Zebra Fish | 24813 | 24813 |
| Stickleback | 1967 | 1967 |
| Swordtail | 45 | 45 |
| Humpbacked limia | 5 | 5 |
| Redtail splitfin | 1 | 1 |
| Brown Knifefish | 6 | 0 |
| Rainbow Trout | 286 | 286 |
| Southern Platyfish | 74 | 74 |
| Basking Shark | 3 | 3 |
| Mouse | 608 | 608 |
| Hazel Dormouse | 32 | 32 |
| Grey Squirrel | 48 | 48 |
| Pine Marten | 21 | 21 |
| Polecat | 6 | 6 |
| Bats | 168 | 168 |
| Total | 30441 | 30393 |
In 2015, 11905 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
| Species | No. of procedures in 2015 | No. of animals used in 2015 |
| Pheasant | 200 | 200 |
| Northern Gannett | 60 | 60 |
| Corvidae | 384 | 384 |
| Pied Flycatcher | 316 | 316 |
| Common Buzzard | 45 | 45 |
| Blue Tit | 242 | 242 |
| Brent Goose | 71 | 71 |
| Guppy | 786 | 786 |
| Zebra Fish | 7132 | 7132 |
| Stickleback | 929 | 929 |
| Swordtail | 6 | 6 |
| Rainbow Trout | 168 | 168 |
| Brown Trout | 209 | 209 |
| Roach | 371 | 371 |
| Mangrove Killifish | 30 | 30 |
| Southern Platyfish | 14 | 14 |
| Basking Shark | 5 | 5 |
| Mouse | 821 | 821 |
| Hazel Dormouse | 21 | 21 |
| Grey Squirrel | 64 | 64 |
| Pine Marten | 31 | 31 |
| Total | 11905 | 11905 |
In 2014, 17823 animals were used for research at the University of Exeter. Some of these animals were housed at the University, and some were observed in the field.
| Species | No. of procedures in 2014 | No. of animals used in 2014 |
| Pheasant | 284 | 284 |
| Northern Gannett | 63 | 63 |
| Corvidae | 284 | 284 |
| Pied Flycatcher | 103 | 103 |
| Guppy | 784 | 784 |
| Zebra Fish | 13522 | 13522 |
| Stickleback | 411 | 411 |
| Nile Tilapia | 10 | 10 |
| Flounder | 39 | 39 |
| Rainbow Trout | 76 | 76 |
| Sea Bass | 369 | 369 |
| Turbot | 10 | 10 |
| Shanny | 29 | 29 |
| Roach | 432 | 432 |
| Goldsinny Wrasse | 30 | 30 |
| Splitfin Goodeid | 758 | 758 |
| Mouse | 540 | 540 |
| Basking Shark | 10 | 10 |
| Bat | 69 | 69 |
| Total | 17823 | 17823 |