An animal rights group has said Cardiff University must stop testing on animals for research and move into the “modern world”.
Cardiff Animal Rights said it wanted research to be “humane”.
A Freedom of Information request by CJS News showed Cardiff University carried out 46,743 procedures on animals last year.
The university said the welfare of animals used for research is “paramount” and safeguards are in place.
But a spokeswoman from Cardiff Animal Rights said: “If Cardiff University dropped animal testing and went completely to humane research, we’d back them all the way.
“They need to join medical science in the modern world and help fund and cure diseases without torturing innocent beings in the process.”
The number of procedures involving each animal:
- Mice – 42,660
- Rats – 2,130
- Rabbits – 4
- Guinea Pig – 2
- Frogs – 122
- Fish – 1,825
Charities including Parkinsons UK and Arthritis Research UK have funded animal research at Cardiff University.
In a statement Claire Bale, head of research communications and engagement at Parkinsons UK, said: “We support the principle of using animals in research to advance our understanding of Parkinson’s, improve treatments and ultimately find a cure for people living with the condition.
“We take the use of animals in research very seriously. All research must be carried out in line with strict Home Office regulations and the ‘3Rs’ policy – to reduce, refine and replace the use of animals in research wherever possible.
“This means we never fund research using animals if there is another alternative.”
Tom Holder, from the not-for-profit organisation Understanding Animal Research which aims to explain why animals are used for research, said animal testing remains a key part of medical, veterinary and scientific development.
“I don’t think anyone in the scientific community wants to use animals over non-animal methods,” he said.
“Obviously, it would be great if we did not need to use animals for research in the future, but I don’t see that future appearing any time soon.”
