When we think about animals in research labs, people often think of dogs or cats – creatures we know well and see as companions, even family members. But if we really want to end animal suffering in labs, we must turn our attention to the animals used by the millions: mice.

Mice are mammals, just like humans, dogs and cats. They are curious, intelligent, and social animals, no different from the pets we hold dear. Yet in laboratories around the world, many millions of them face lives of unimaginable suffering, used in experiments that would not be carried out on any other animal — ignored and unprotected by the laws that provide some oversight for other animals.

An abundance of information shows that mice experience complex emotions, feel intense pain, fear, and joy. They form bonds with one another, and when living in a natural environment, they play, explore, and build intricate worlds of their own. But in laboratories, their lives are reduced to inanimate objects, their capacity to suffer routinely dismissed.

CAARE’s recent investigation into experiments on mice at NYU Langone Health revealed not only shocking cruelty, but also extraordinary empathy among the mice themselves.

Researchers genetically modified mice so they could not give birth normally, then impregnated them to observe the results. When paired together, other mice actively worked to help the laboring mothers, using their paws and mouths to assist in delivery. Tragically, pregnant mice left alone died a slow death in labor alongside their unborn pups.

This experiment was as unnecessary as it was horrific. CAARE has filed a formal complaint with NYU’s animal research oversight committee for their failure to provide any humane intervention for the mice and to demand a permanent end to these baseless experiments.

Advocating for mice is central to CAARE’s mission. Credible estimates suggest mice make up as much as 99% of all animals used in experiments, amounting to over 100 million sentient lives. We cannot claim to be ending animal experimentation if we exclude the vast majority of its victims simply because they are small and misunderstood.

At CAARE, we believe every sentient life holds value. We will continue to speak up for mice, confront cruel science, and push for a future where no animal is treated as inanimate and expendable.

Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research and Experimentation (CAARE), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established to highlight and promote research without animals. Please donate to support CAARE’s mission to reduce animal suffering by disseminating information about the power and progress of research without animals. 

We gratefully accept gifts from Donor Advised Funds. Our legal name is Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research and Experimentation, EIN: 46-5261800, P.O. Box 102, Ardsley, NY 10502.