Bristol University puts an end to force swim tests after 17 years

Bristol University announced today (January 30th) that it will no longer use forced swim tests in its research projects.

This is due to the fact that the current scientific project, which uses these tests, is nearing its conclusion.

Multiple animal rights protests directed at the both university and vice chancellor Evelyn Welch repeatedly called for the end of forced swim tests.

These tests involved placing rodents into a container of water, where they were unable to escape. The study records the rodent’s level of stress and the impact of potential antidepressants on behavioural despair.

The animals do not survive after the experiment is over.

The tests began in 2008, and have come under fire from animal activist group PETA, who have performed multiple protests and demonstrations calling for the university to end the “cruel” experiments since 2021.

Earlier this month, Bristol’s Student Union issued an update, also calling for the university to drop the tests.

🚨 BREAKING: Animal defenders confronted @BristolUni Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch over the university’s cruel forced swim test during her speech at @YaleBritishArt. While the UK gov plans to end it, Bristol STILL tortures rats😡🐀 pic.twitter.com/eQWtzpLCIv

— PETA UK (@PETAUK) September 27, 2024

Over 400 scientists, academics and medical professionals have been calling to phase out the tests in the UK, with the Home Office saying they plan to ban it completely in the near future.

The statement issued from the university reads: “The University of Bristol has now stopped using the forced swim test because the research project which used it is due to conclude shortly. We are not expecting to undertake any future research which requires the use of the forced swim test.

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“Scientific analysis following the use of the procedure in previous research here at Bristol has furthered our understanding of how stress hormones act upon the brain and what their function is. These findings have been published in leading journals like Nature Communications, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of stress at the molecular level. Such insights are crucial for the development of new treatments for stress-related disorders.

“We recognise that the forced swim test has prompted discussions around the ethics of using animals in research. These are important conversations, and we remain committed to open and ongoing dialogue about how and why animals are used in research.”

The statement ends: “The University is committed to a culture of care where animals are treated with compassion and respect. All our research involving animals is ethically reviewed, carefully regulated and adheres to our policy on the use of animals in research and teaching (PDF, 102kB).

“Please see our web pages for more information on the forced swim test, our approach to research involving animals and the impact of such research.”