Govt. bans 'Draize' irritation tests on rabbits

摘要

In a major victory for animal rights campaigners, the Union Health Ministry has prohibited use of the cruel and obsolete "Draize" irritation tests that involve using rabbits. The test was developed more than 70 years ago to measure eye and skin irritation using rabbits, who are locked in restraints while a test chemical is applied to one eye or to the shaved skin on their backs. Animals are monitored for up to two weeks, without pain relief, for signs of chemical damage, which can include swelling, ulceration, bleeding and blindness.