Victims of Science: The Use of Animals in Research by Richard D. Ryder

One Sunday in 1975 I saw a photograph of a laboratory where beagles were testing a new 'safe' cigarette. It was on the front page of the newspaper The Sunday People and it horrified me. I didn't think that it was a real picture, surely civilised people wouldn't do this to man's best friend. How could anyone hurt dogs? I was very young and the idea of experimenting on animals scarred me. Later that year I came across this book, Victims of Science. It affected my life forever.

It is written by a doctor of clinical psychology who was involved with animal experimentation as part of his medical training. Like most new trainees, he was shocked by what went on in the laboratories, but was informed that you get used it. It was something nobody discussed. Fortunately, Ryder was different.

This is not an easy read. The book shows images of the experiments, some in full colour, from the rabbits having shampoo dropped into their eyes to electrodes coming out of cats' brains. But it would be wrong to assume that this is a sentimental or misguided book about animals. Ryder looks at the value and profits the laboratory animals industry makes, besides the cost of the actual chemicals produced. There are the breeders, the suppliers of food and equipment to furnish the laboratories, and the actual testing laboratories that test on behalf of their clients. It is a lucrative business. When you consider that more than 90% of drugs that pass the tests at animal trials fail at the human trial phase, one has to consider who the industry is benefitting.

This is a very powerful book. Written in clear language using layman's terms, explaining the tests and their purpose, Ryder covers all areas of research using animals, life in a lab, and the non-medical research such as what would happen to kittens if they were raised in darkness. Organised into essential chapters with facts and figures to back up the points. It draws attention to how we as a species abuse animals and laws were changed because of Ryder's work, including legislation to protect laboratory animals in the UK and Europe, in 1985. The book concludes with alternatives to animal use and campaigns for reform. At no time does Ryder criticise scientists, rather the conventions of research.

As for me, I have avoided products that have been tested on animals as much as I can. I came to realise that everything has been tested on animals at some point - from water to oxygen - so I had to set my own boundaries and definitions to what 'not tested on animals' actually means. As time goes on, things are getting a bit easier and I support charities and trusts that advocate against vivisection. It started with this book.

The book is no longer in print although can be purchased from collectors, but it has probably been surpassed now anyway. A book from the past, where it belongs. 

Published by Davis Poynter Ltd. 1975, revised and reprinted in 1983 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society, London. No longer in print.