Archive · 21 Nov 2025
100+ Experts Call for Ban on 'Forced Swim Test' on Small Animals
Some scientists want to stop an experiment where small animals are made to swim in beakers to learn about human depression.
They say it's not helpful and hurts the animals.
Many important people agree with them and want the test to stop.
Over 100 experts call for a nationwide ban on the 'forced swim test' on small animals
The test involves forcing small animals to swim in beakers to study human depression
Critics argue the test is unreliable and causes animal suffering
Peta India submitted a petition to the CCSEA for an immediate ban
Support for the ban comes from top Indian institutions and international pharma companies
- Who
- Over 100 experts, Peta India, CCSEA
- What
- Called for a ban on the 'forced swim test' on small animals
- When
- Recently
- Where
- India
- Why
- To stop animal suffering and unreliable research
Animal Welfare Advocates
Research Institutions
Reliability of Test
Animal Welfare Advocates
Less reliable than a coin toss
Research Institutions
Still used in some research
- Test Name
- Forced Swim Test
- Animals Used
- Mice, hamsters, and other small animals
- Criticized By
- Top Indian institutions and international pharma companies
- Petition Submitted To
- Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA)
- Alternatives
- More reliable and humane methods of research