2019
The University reports the number of animals that are used in research by species each year.
In 2019, the University carried out 198,517 scientific procedures involving animals. The vast majority of these involved rodents, predominantly mice and rats (78.3%), and fish (18.2%). Client-owned pet dogs were involved in studies at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies aimed at improving care for sick animals. (See: Vitamin d in study spotlight).
| Species | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Rodents | 155,545 | 78.3% |
| Fish | 36,032 | 18.2% |
| Birds | 5,063 | 2.6% |
| Agricultural species (cattle, sheep, pigs) | 1621 | 0.8% |
| Animals monitored in the wild (sheep, deer, red squirrels, golden eagles) | 192 | 0.1% |
| Frogs | 60 | <0.1% |
|
Dogs (client-owned pets taking part in studies at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies) |
4 | <0.1% |
These figures are calculated each year based on data from annual returns that are prepared for the Home Office by every Project Licence holder.
Severity statistics
Each regulated procedure is assigned a severity which describes the animals experience. Figures for 2019 are available at the link below. Figures for 2020 will be available by end of July 2021.