Tom Hayes, the Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, has called for a ban on using dogs in scientific experiments, urging the UK to end the practice of animal testing in laboratories.
Hayes criticized animal testing as “poor science” and outdated, arguing that it is unethical and unnecessarily painful for the animals involved. Speaking out against the testing of dogs, he emphasized the emotional impact on communities like Bournemouth, known for its love of dogs.
“As a dog lover myself, it’s deeply upsetting to know that dogs are being subjected to painful and unnecessary testing in UK laboratories,” Hayes said. He voiced his full support for Herbie’s Law, a proposed regulation designed to end the use of dogs in experiments, which is named after a rescued beagle.
The MP praised the efforts of local businesses and organizations committed to cruelty-free practices, notably Lush, the Bournemouth-based cosmetics company. He highlighted Lush’s commitment to never testing on animals, investing over £2.7 million in alternative methods, and rewarding those advancing humane research.
Hayes also commended animal welfare groups like the RSPCA and Every Paw Matters for their ongoing efforts to protect animals. He called for stronger reforms, including more independent inspections of animal testing facilities, a ban on secondary species testing, and a move toward non-animal methods.
The MP concluded by stressing that the UK is falling behind in the global effort to reduce animal testing, pointing to the EU’s faster progress in this area as a model to follow.