Victory! University Of Bristol Bans Cruel Forced Swim Tests On Mice & Rats

In a major victory for the welfare of animals, the University of Bristol has officially announced that it will no longer conduct controversial forced swim tests (FST) on rats and mice. This decision comes after nearly five years of relentless campaigning by PETA, which included protests, public awareness campaigns, and high-profile endorsements. The university confirmed it would cease using the test, marking a significant step towards more ethical scientific practices.

The forced swim test is a widely criticized experiment where rats and mice are placed in inescapable containers of water and observed. The animals are forced to swim in an attempt to avoid drowning, with researchers recording how long they continue to struggle before “giving up” and floating. The test is intended to assess depression and the effects of antidepressants by measuring the animals’ behavior under extreme stress.

However, this experiment has been strongly condemned by animal rights organizations and scientists for subjecting animals to unnecessary distress and suffering. Critics argue that the test is scientifically unreliable, as the behavior it measures—passive floating—does not accurately reflect depression in humans. Many also question its ethicality and relevance to real-world mental health conditions. Once the test is completed, the animals are typically euthanized, often through methods like overdose, blunt force trauma, or cervical dislocation.

PETA’s campaign to end the forced swim test at the University of Bristol began nearly five years ago and gained significant momentum. The organization held protests both on campus and around the city, drawing attention to the cruelty of the experiment. Activists also organized petitions and rallies, gathering over 100,000 protest letters from supporters worldwide, including celebrities such as Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Mark Rylance, Richard E. Grant, and Anjelica Huston.

The pressure grew after PETA released a survey showing that a significant majority of university-aged individuals opposed animal testing, including the forced swim test. The survey found that 78% of students would view their chosen university negatively if it conducted the test, and 63% said they would be more likely to choose a university that did not engage in such practices.

In response to this public outcry, the University of Bristol officially confirmed that it had ceased conducting the forced swim test on rats and mice. The university expressed its commitment to ethical research practices and pledged to focus on more humane, non-animal research methods moving forward.

“We have listened to the concerns raised by the public and our community,” a university spokesperson said. “As part of our ongoing efforts to align with the highest ethical standards in research, we have made the decision to discontinue the forced swim test. We are committed to advancing scientific knowledge in ways that prioritize the welfare of animals.”

This announcement is a significant victory for animal rights activists, signaling a shift toward more responsible and humane research practices. PETA celebrated the decision as a win, not just for animals, but for science. The organization emphasized that there are more effective and ethical methods for studying mental health and stress that do not involve inflicting suffering on animals.

“This is proof that when we stand together and speak out against cruelty, we can bring about real change,” said a PETA spokesperson. “We’re thrilled that the University of Bristol has chosen to do the right thing and discontinue this outdated and harmful test. We hope other institutions will follow suit and adopt more humane alternatives.”

With the University of Bristol now officially ending the forced swim test, PETA is now focusing on encouraging other universities and research institutions to adopt similar ethical standards and move away from outdated, harmful practices. This move marks an important step in the ongoing fight against animal cruelty in scientific research and sets a precedent for future change.