UBC Reports 2024 Animal Research Statistics with Commitment to Transparency

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has released its annual report detailing animal research statistics for 2024, marking the 15th consecutive year the institution has published such data. This initiative underscores UBC’s commitment to transparency regarding the ethical use of animals in scientific research. The statistics were compiled for submission to the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), which oversees ethical standards in animal research across the country.

Jennifer Ogeer, the university veterinarian with UBC Animal Care Services, emphasized the importance of animal research in advancing medical knowledge and improving treatments for both humans and animals. “Animal research is essential to advancing medical knowledge and developing better treatments for both humans and animals. This research also supports animal welfare, conservation and preservation efforts around the world, including responses to climate change and environmental impacts,” Ogeer stated.

At UBC, animals are involved in research only when absolutely necessary, and the institution prioritizes animal welfare by adhering to strict regulations and guidelines for care. UBC is dedicated to developing methods that reduce, refine, and replace animal use in research, ensuring all research animals receive the highest levels of care. Research protocols undergo rigorous scrutiny by UBC’s animal care committee, which includes research experts, licensed veterinarians, and community representatives.

2024 Animal Research Statistics

In 2024, a total of 182,407 animals participated in 435 research and teaching protocols at UBC. This reflects a one-percent decrease in the overall number of animals involved compared to the previous year, when 443 protocols were reported. Of the animals involved in UBC’s research, over 98 percent were comprised of rodents, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Rodents accounted for the largest portion of research animals, with 84,761 involved in various studies, an increase from 82,001 in 2023. Fish made up the second-largest group, with 71,747 participating in research, down from 76,286 the previous year. Reptiles and amphibians represented almost 13 percent of the total, totaling 23,050 animals, compared to 24,404 in 2023.

A significant proportion of the animals, approximately 60 percent or 109,573, were involved in procedures categorized by the CCAC as causing little or no discomfort, or minor stress and pain of short duration. These procedures included activities such as behavioral observations, blood sampling, and the tagging and tracking of wildlife.

In addition to releasing these statistics, UBC offers a virtual tour of its animal care facilities, allowing the public to gain insight into the standards of care and oversight provided for research animals. For more detailed information regarding UBC’s 2024 animal research statistics and the oversight processes involved, interested parties are encouraged to visit the university’s dedicated webpage at [UBC Animal Research](https://animalresearch.ubc.ca).

The ongoing commitment of UBC to transparency and ethical standards in animal research highlights the university’s role in contributing to significant medical and scientific advancements while prioritizing animal welfare.