Animal rights activists demonstrate outside University House
Animal rights activists pretended to be dead and covered themselves in blood at the Union to protest against vivisection at the University.
More than 20 activists took part in the demonstration on April 13, which marked the launch of the Stop Animal Experiments in Sheffield campaign.
Some of the protesters laid on the ground wearing lab coats, fake blood and animal masks whilst others held banners and leaflets.
According to the activists 30 per cent of vivisection happens at universities and colleges, predominately in biology and psychology departments.
Campaigner John Whittle said: “Most students are unaware of the suffering going on behind closed doors on campus.
“The University of Sheffield kills 30,000 animals every year.”
The campaign group said they are opposed to all animal exploitation, including the meat and dairy industry, the fur trade and hunting.
A spokesperson for the University said: “Animals are only used in our research when there is no satisfactory alternative.
“Every animal research proposal is initially subject to rigorous scrutiny by our Ethical Review Process.
“The University is at the forefront of research in support of the biological and medical sciences.
“These include major killer diseases such as cancer and heart disease and there is still no complete substitute for animals in some aspects of this important research.”
But Whittle believes there are alternatives available.
“There are many cruelty-free methods in medical research, such as clinical studies of humans, test tube research, scans of the brain and body, and computer modelling,” he said.
Demonstrations took place at 18 different locations across the country last week as part of Anti-Vivisection Week.
The Stop Animal Experiments in Sheffield campaign group will meet again on June 19 to demonstrate outside Sheffield City Hall.
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