Thousands of animals have been subjected to experiments involving explosions, poisoning, and nerve agents at the top-secret Porton Down laboratory.
Freedom of Information figures obtained by MailOnline show over 2,000 pigs, monkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice were killed in these tests between 2021 and 2023.
Porton Down laboratory, located in Wiltshire, is a lab known for its chemical and biological weapons and military research, as well as studies on diseases like Ebola and anthrax.
Dr Julia Baines, science policy adviser for animal campaign group, PETA UK said: “PETA calls shame on the Ministry of Defence for conducting archaic and appallingly cruel experiments on monkeys, mice, pigs, and other animals, including injecting deadly viruses into their brains and exposing them to nerve agents.”
“Britain is also among the few NATO nations still using animals instead of state-of-the-art training methods for military medics.”
She added: “It’s reprehensible that with the best technology in the world at its disposal and amid overwhelming public opposition to animal experimentation, the MoD still fails to modernise.”
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that these tests are vital for developing life-saving technologies to protect British troops.
An MoD spokeswoman told MailOnline: “The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory conducts experiments ethically, in line with legislation.”
The spokesperson stated that they are dedicated to minimising animal experiments and only seek licenses when research cannot be conducted through alternative methods.
Over three years, 1,797 mice, 97 marmosets, 83 pigs, 64 guinea pigs, and three rabbits were killed, according to MailOnline.
Reports from MailOnline reveal tests have included shooting pigs, forcing them to inhale mustard gas, and using explosives to simulate battlefield injuries.
