The issue of animal testing

Deadly Toll of Toxic Chemicals on Wildlife

Around the world, wildlife are born with deformities, reproductive problems, and other severe developmental abnormalities. Thousands of species are affected each year by toxic chemicals and the loss of life is enormous. WWF is working to protect wildlife and people from hazards of toxic chemicals.

Ridding the world of serious chemical threats to wildlife and people will require toxicity testing. WWF believes it should be done relying on non-animal methods wherever these are available. Where non-animal test alternatives do not yet exist, WWF has called for increased funding to develop them as a matter of urgency. WWF also advocates the swiftest possible transition away from animal testing consistent with placing the fewest animals at risk of exposure to harmful chemical, whether in the wild or in laboratories.

WWF has called for dramatic increases in government funding to speed refinement of non-animal tests so that use of animals for testing can be ended entirely. WWF's efforts to end the cruel and uncontrolled experiment caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in the wild will result in an important victory for all people and wildlife.

Are chemical threats to wildlife a conservation issue or an ethical issue?
They are both. Whales, dolphins, seals, birds, amphibians, fish, and people suffer each year from exposure to chemicals. Effects include deformities, behavioural abnormalities, and impaired reproductive, neurological, and immune systems. The problem is a conservation issue because it threatens the survival of entire species. The death and suffering of wild animals harmed by chemicals is also an important humane and ethical issue, although animal rights groups have focused instead on the fate of laboratory animals.

What specifically has WWF done to bring an end to animal testing?

• WWF has called on US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use non-animal tests whenever these are available and to make development of non-animal methods a priority.
• WWF works closely with responsible animal welfare organizations around the world to support increased funding for the development of scientifically valid alternatives to animal testing.
• WWF has called for precautionary phase-out of known harmful chemicals without need for additional testing of any kind.
• WWF has urged mandatory data sharing among industry to minimize redundant testing.
• WWF has called on the US Congress to make $10 million available to fund EPA's development of non-animal testing methods.
• WWF has urged the UK government to speed up the procedure for acceptance and vaildation of currently available alternative methods.

Are animal welfare groups responding to the chemical threat to wildlife?
WWF believes that many animal rights organizations have failed to realize the true extent of the chemical threat to wildlife, instead focusing mainly on laboratory animals and not the great majority of animals that live outside laboratories. Far more animals are dying from human causes in the wild than in laboratory testing, and while both issues are clearly important, focusing on one side of the ledger ultimately puts more animals at risk.

Wildlife and people alike accumulate toxic chemicals in their bodies and unintentionally pass them on to their children. WWF is working to protect both current and future generations from this toxic threat. WWF's efforts are aimed at safeguarding all creatures—in the greatest numbers from the greatest harm.

Read WWF's policy on animal testing (DOC: 4.0 KB)