U.S. Military Ends Animal Use in Many Medical Training Areas

November 2014

In a groundbreaking decision, following years of campaigning by PETA—including letters, e-mails, and complaints from PETA, military and civilian medical experts, and concerned citizens—the Department of Defense (DOD) determined that “suitable simulation alternatives can replace the use of live animals” in six major medical educational areas, including for certain trauma and other surgical training courses and infant and pediatric life support skills. The agency ordered the switch to simulation-based training effective January 1, 2015, across all branches of the armed forces. This is the first time in history that the DOD has banned animal use in favor of simulation.