This week the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to prioritize efforts to reduce animal tests with the goal of eliminating toxicity tests on mammals by 2035.

A new directive, signed by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, will see the agency cut back on its request for spending on mammal studies by 30% by 2025 and end all requests and funding for animal testing by 2035. The agency also announced it is allocating $4.25 million to five universities to further research alternatives to animal testing.

Wheeler highlighted that other methods, such as computer-based models and tests on lab-grown human cells (invitro), can show the safety risks of chemicals and pesticides without the need for animal testing.

Our North America Campaign Manager, Monica Engebretson, said: “We applaud the EPA’s efforts to reduce testing on animals by prioritizing modern alternatives and incentivizing research and development of new non-animal tests. With progress being made in countries like the Netherlands, which is working to phase-out most animal testing by 2025, it’s time for the US to also demonstrate leadership in this area. We call upon other US agencies, such as the FDA and NIH, to take similar steps to prioritize humane science and ultimately end animal tests.” 

We are working to inspire similar changes at the National Institutes of Health by supporting the HEARTs Act to prioritize the use of humane alternatives to animal research. US residents can help by contacting your US Representatives and asking them to become co-sponsors of the HEARTS Act. ❤️