Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support Animal Research |
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Washington, DC: The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) today released the results of a public opinion poll showing that an overwhelming majority of Americans support humane and responsible animal research for medical progress. The poll, conducted from April 15-19, sampled a cross-section of national racial, social and economic representations. When questioned about the level of contribution animal research has made to human health care over the last few decades, a combined 76% of respondents acknowledged its significance. Of those who responded with an opinion, 40% felt it contributed a great deal, 36% felt it contributed a fair amount, while only 9% felt it contributed a small amount and a mere 5% indicated it did not contribute much at all. Other findings demonstrate that 56% of Americans, a significant majority, believe that sufficiently stringent federal regulations are currently in place governing proper and ethical treatment of research animals. This same group indicates that they support the research community's pursuit of alternative methods, with the knowledge that current technological limitations require animal model testing. "The public support reflected in this poll is virtually identical to that of the first poll we conducted 25 years ago and is clear evidence that Americans have not been bamboozled by a quarter-century of the Animal Rights Movement's propaganda machine," said Frankie Trull, FBR's president. "Research animals are treated responsibly, ethically and humanely for compassionate as well as scientific reasons. This is not a controversial position. There is no constituency for inhumane or irresponsible treatment," said Ms. Trull. Animal systems provide invaluable and irreplaceable insight into human systems because of the striking similarities between the physiological and genetic systems of animals and humans. The essential need for animal research is recognized and supported by medical societies and health agencies around the world. Concrete proof of its validity and its usefulness can also be found in the vast body of Nobel Prize winning work in physiology and medicine that has been based on animal studies. The national poll, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, contained a sample size of 1,002 adults and includes a 3.2% margin of error. To view pdf file of survey results click here. The Foundation for Biomedical Research is America's oldest and largest organization dedicated to improving human and animal health by promoting public understanding, respect and support fort the humane and responsible use of animals in medical and scientific research. ### |
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