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End lethal dose animal testing

In 1927, scientists first introduced the “lethal dose” test to determine the amount of a substance that would kill 50% of animals. While the test’s name and procedures have been modified over the years, all versions still involve forcibly dosing animals by mouth, skin, inhalation or other route until animals are dead or dying. These crude and cruel tests have become embedded in government testing requirements for chemicals, pesticides and other products in many countries—resulting in extreme suffering for untold thousands of rats, mice, rabbits, fish, birds and other animals each year. Science has come a long way in the past century and it’s time regulations caught up.

Humane World for Animals is urging government decision-makers in major economies including Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, South Korea and the U.S. to adopt improved non-animal approaches to this test.

After nearly 100 years of cruelty, lethal dose testing belongs in the history books.

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Dear Legislator,

Over the past century, lethal animal poisoning tests, first developed in 1927, became embedded in regulatory frameworks for drugs, pesticides, chemicals and other products worldwide. In some cases, the same chemical or product may be tested multiple ways and in multiple species. These crude and highly variable experiments are among the most inhumane and least reliable procedures still in use and are ethically unacceptable in light of available non-animal approaches, including computer models, cell-based tests and waivers. These methods, where applicable, not only spare animals but are faster, cheaper and can offer equivalent protection to human health and environmental safety.

I urge you to support an end to lethal dose testing in your jurisdiction by:

-Adopting animal-free methods as the primary requirement for acute oral, dermal and fish toxicity testing.

-Removing any references in regulations and guidelines to the use of live animals for acute toxicity tests and make it clear that non-animal methods should be used.

-Actively supporting international harmonization efforts to ensure consistency in implementation across global regulatory frameworks. 

After nearly 100 years, lethal dose testing belongs in the history books. Modern science offers a better way—one that protects people and the planet without inflicting suffering and death on animals.

Sincerely,

{user_data~First name} {user_data~Last name}
{user_data~Country}
{user_data~Email address}

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