EPA’s Historic Decision Will Prevent Countless Animals From Being Poisoned in Cruel Chemical Tests

Published by PETA.

We did it! Five big initiatives from PETA scientists have helped bring about a new era for animals in laboratories. Today, scientists from PETA and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine—which has done substantial work on this issue, too—had the honor of witnessing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) make an announcement that it plans to end toxicity tests on mammals by 2035. And with a little luck, it will take effect sooner and include all animals.

EPA animal tests to end, thanks to push from PETA

PETA scientist Dr. Amy Clippinger sits next to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler as he announces plan to end animal test requirements.

It took almost 20 years of work for us to reach this day. Here’s how our science team contributed to this groundbreaking progress:

  • Our scientists held dozens of meetings with researchers and regulators, including EPA officials, to discuss how animals could be replaced in tests.
  • We submitted detailed scientific comments revealing the problems with animal tests.
  • We worked to change laws to restrict animal tests and put agency funding toward the development of non-animal test methods.
  • We provided government and corporate scientists with educational opportunities to explore non-animal methods and coauthored scientific papers on the ways animal-free testing is superior to poisoning animals.
  • We protested animal testing, even sending a giant “bunny” mascot to trail then–presidential candidate Al Gore, who listened and directed his staff to fund alternatives!

News of this breakthrough follows an announcement by the Dutch government, with input by PETA and PETA U.K. scientists, that it will end many types of animal testing by 2025. These decisions made by the Netherlands and the EPA are clear signals of an imminent worldwide end of regulatory toxicity testing on animals—and the dawn of a new era in which toxicity tests will better protect humans and the environment, while preventing animals from suffering.

Cute rats nuzzling each other© iStock.com/Inessal

What You Can Do

Get PETA Updates

Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal info in accordance with our privacy policy as well as to receiving e-mails from us.

 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind