Mice have a PR issue
Plus an update on Herbie
Hey there,
Welcome to this week’s Animal Free Labstack. And happy spring equinox - the sun is shining and I’m very ready for the longer days and evening dog walks!
This week we’re talking about positive PR for mice, an update on Herbie, and our upcoming conference.
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Mice have a PR issue – or do they?
This week I’ve been trying to change people’s minds about mice on LinkedIn, and it’s definitely got people talking positively about them. Here’s what I said to my network – I’d love to know your thoughts:
I get it, most people don’t care about mice. Some of us actively dislike them. They’ve got a bit of a PR issue. But to be honest, that’s the least of their problems.
Millions of mice are used in labs – 878,958 of them in Britain in 2023 alone. Many live short, painful lives – and then they’re killed. If they’re lucky.
Some people will tell you this is a necessary evil so we can make medical breakthroughs.
But the thing is, that’s not really working. We are no closer to curing many of the world’s most common and debilitating diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
And that’s because mice – and other animals - aren’t small, furry humans. Our biology, anatomy and genetics are very different in important ways. Here’s one example:
🐭 Mice are around 3000 times smaller than humans, but their metabolism is 7 times faster than ours.
🐭 This means their ageing, drug processing, and immune systems are very different from ours.
🐭 The findings from experiments on mice don’t reliably translate to humans.
The alternative is animal-free research. And it isn’t just better for mice - it’s better for humans, too. Modern, human-specific science can give us faster, safer medical breakthroughs without harming mice or other animals.
🌈 I want a brighter future for all of us – one where humans have better treatments, and mice live in meadows not laboratories.
Mice are intelligent, social creatures who belong in the wild where they can play, groom each other, dig burrows, and create cosy nests for their families. In the wild, mice shape ecosystems, help control insect populations and spread seeds.
The world needs mice - but not in laboratories.
What do you think? Is this a convincing argument? Would it persuade people you know to care a little bit more about mice? Let me know in the comments.
Herbie, my hero
Herbie’s having a hard time at the moment, which means I’m having a hard time too. He’s getting old - his bones are aching, his breathing is occasionally laboured, and he’s sleeping more and more.
But he still shouts when it’s dinner time. He still queues up for a treat (or two, or three). He still enjoys a potter in the countryside. And his face still lights up when he sees me.
💔 It’s heart-breaking to watch him grow old, as anyone who’s lived with and loved a companion animal will know. I’ve been through it many times now, but it doesn’t get easier, knowing what’s to come.
I’m so proud that he inspired Animal Free Research UK’s campaign for Herbie’s Law which calls for a phase out of animal tests for medical research. And starred in a recent article in the Mirror – he tries not to let it go to his head, but I think he secretly loves the fame!
But it’s bittersweet because I know the campaign will outlive him.
Despite everything, he still has lots of joy in his life. For now, I’m cherishing every day with him, and approaching each day as if it were his last. So yes Herbie, you can have another treat. And here’s to many more happy moments together. 🥰
If you’ve had similar experiences with your companion animals, I’d love to hear your stories. Please share in the comments below.
Help Herbie
With Herbie’s Law, we’re asking the Government to pass legislation that will help the UK to replace animals with these new and exciting technologies.
It’s a bold step towards a future where animals are no longer used in the name of science. And make a commitment to progress, compassion, and a brighter future for all.
If you agree, please ask your MP to support Herbie’s Law. We’ve got a handy tool that does all the work for you – it just takes 2 minutes.
Do it for every animal you’ve ever loved. And do it for Herbie.
Best practice in NAMs conference
I’ll be heading up to beautiful York next week for our Best Practice in Non-animal Methods conference. Over two days, we’ll be:
ℹ️ Bringing together 100 scientists from academia and industry
🧪 Highlighting innovative, human-focused technologies that are replacing animals in medical research.
🧬 Connecting the researchers who are leading the medical research innovation revolution.
We’ve got a packed agenda and this year we’re hosting the conference with our friends at the Humane Research Trust and Replacing Animal Research to bring our communities together and reach even more researchers. I’ll be sure to bring you all the highlights.
Until next time,
Carla 🐭
P.S. If you know someone who’s passionate about animals, health, or science please share this newsletter and spread the word about animal-free research – it’s a win for everyone!