PETA India Scientists Prompt Removal of Deadly Pesticide Test on Animals

Goats, chickens, and pigs will be spared from a deadly pesticide test thanks to a recommendation from PETA India scientists.

The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) has changed  requirements that lead to the killing of animals in what is known as “livestock” metabolism testing. These tests are conducted on animals who are killed for their meat, eggs, or milk. In these tests, the animals are force-fed pesticides, and their milk, eggs, or waste are examined to determine how the pesticides break down in the animals’ bodies. Ultimately, these animals are killed, and their tissues are analysed.

Every time a pesticide is imported into the country from a new source, the CIB&RC requires new toxicity testing—even when a complete data set on the pesticide already exists.

If a toxicity test has already been conducted, repeating the same test isn’t needed. After receiving input from PETA India and other stakeholders and reviewing the science, the committee will no longer require the duplicative metabolism tests.

Despite this positive movement, other duplicative testing requirements remain in place. PETA India scientists will continue to advocate for science-based, animal-free testing approaches that don’t harm animals.

Every year, tens of thousands of animals are experimented upon in pesticide toxicity tests. Animals are forced to ingest or inhale toxic chemicals or have them applied to their eyes or skin. Many of these tests on animals were developed many decades ago, are time-consuming, lack human relevance, and fail to reliably predict how chemicals will affect humans or wildlife.

Thankfully, regulators worldwide are increasingly accepting non-animal methods for their human relevance, reliability, and ethical advantages. Incorporating the best available science into the Indian regulatory framework will allow India to best protect farmers and the environment, safeguard human health, and spare countless animals from cruel tests.

Help End Even More Tests on Animals

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is asking for public comments on the draft ‘Pesticide Management Bill, 2025’ to modernise pesticide regulations. Let the authorities know that reliable non-animal methods should be used to evaluate pesticides.

Act Now to Prioritise Non-Animal Methods for Pesticide Toxicity Testing