“It’s awful for the animals - and it’s not even useful for the humans.”

In this episode, award-winning illustrator Emily Sutton joins Carla and Dr Gemma Davies to reflect on the current state of animal use in science, as well as share the inspiration behind her stunning artwork for our Brighter Future campaign.

Emily discusses the power of illustration to drive change, her lifelong love of animals, and why she was moved to support Animal Free Research UK.

Plus, Carla and Gemma share the latest parliamentary progress, including a mention of our Antibodies Database, and a powerful cross-party letter urging the government to set a clear timeline for ending animal experiments.

You can shop Emily’s design at: animalfreeresearchuk.org/shop

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We’re back with another great episode! Join Carla Owen and co-host Dr Gemma Davies as they sit down with Dr Stephanie Modi, Science Manager at Animal Free Research UK, to unpack a topic that affects us all – antibodies.

Stephanie explains what antibodies are, how they’re used in medicine, and why most people don’t realise animals are still used to make them – over a million each year in Europe alone. Discover why animal-derived antibodies can actually slow down medical progress, and how new animal-free alternatives are already proving to be faster, more accurate, and more ethical. Plus, find out about the game-changing Recombinant Antibodies and Mimetics Database that’s helping researchers make the switch.

Tune in to hear how we can build a future where science is smarter, more reliable – and free from animal suffering.

Poll of the Week: Should the government ban animal-derived antibodies now that alternatives are available?

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Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies are joined by special guest Dr Dania Movia, recipient of the Animal Free Research UK Outstanding Scientist Award. The hosts share updates from Parliament, where MP visits to Animal Free Research UK-funded labs are driving support for Herbie’s Law. Steve Race MP has written an article in The House Magazine, and there has been a parliamentary debate on phasing out animal experiments, with amazing support for Herbie’s Law!

Concerning news from the Home Office — a report revealing over 2.1 million animals have been approved for experiments in the UK over the next five years, reinforcing the urgent need for change.

Dr Movia discusses her pioneering work creating human-relevant models to study lung cancer and respiratory toxicity without the use of animals. She explains how recreating parts of the human lung in the lab not only improves accuracy but also offers hope for more personalised, effective treatments for patients. The conversation tackles the failures of animal research, the promise of human-specific science, and Dr Movia’s inspiring vision for a future free from animal testing.

Poll of the Week: Were you surprised to learn that so far this year over 2.1 million animals have already been approved for use in experiments over the next 5 years?

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This week on the Animal Free Labcast, hosts Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis are joined by three comedy favourites – Jake Lambert, Russell Kane and Diane Morgan – who share why they’re lending their voices to the Herbie’s Heroes campaign.

Jake Lambert talks about his deep love for animals, Russell Kane highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, and Diane Morgan speaks passionately about ending animal cruelty and the need to move beyond outdated testing methods. She says:

"We can do better than outdated animal experiments – it's 2025, this shouldn’t still be happening. I’m supporting Herbie’s Law – to help create a brighter future, without animal testing."

It’s an engaging and heartfelt episode, packed with laughs, insight and a clear message: science can be better, and animals deserve better!

Poll of the Week: Do you think policymakers are doing enough to support animal-free research? Cast your vote and tag your MP to help push for progress!

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This week on the Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davis spotlight the launch of the Herbie’s Heroes campaign – joined by celebrity supporters Deborah Meaden, Pandora Christie, Kirsty Gallacher, and Pete Wicks.

Hear why they’re backing Herbie’s Law – from the failures of outdated animal testing to their deep personal commitment to animal welfare. Deborah Meaden says:

"I'm supporting Herbie's Law because there are alternatives to animal testing. Let's choose compassion and build a kinder and better future for animals."

It’s an inspiring episode with a clear call to action: join the Herbie’s Heroes 100km Challenge – walk, run, cycle or swim to help end animal testing. Every kilometre counts!

Poll of the Week: Would you like to see more public figures using their voice to support Herbie’s Law? Cast your vote and tell us what you think!

Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.

Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen is joined by Isobel Martin to discuss the recent parliamentary debate on ending dog experiments, sparked by a petition with over 238,000 signatures. Despite strong public and cross-party support, the government has refused to act — but momentum for Herbie’s Law is growing.

They also explore bold progress in the US, where the NIH is closing its last beagle lab and investing in human-specific science. Is the UK being left behind?

Plus, details on the launch of Herbie’s Heroes with a giant five-foot cut-out of Herbie the beagle in Westminster, and big plans for World Animal Free Research Day on 27 May!

Poll of the Week:
Do you think organisations using animals in research should be required to pay into a fund to develop non animal methods?

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• Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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This week on The Animal Free Labcast, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies mark World Day for Animals in Laboratories by exposing the lack of progress in replacing animals in research, despite legal commitments.

They’re joined by Isabel Martin, Director of Public Affairs, who reveals how “replacement” is being overlooked in ethical reviews and shares bold proposals for reform. Plus, in breaking news, the FDA plans to phase out animal testing for drug development – a major step forward. But is the UK being left behind?

Poll of the Week: Is the UK being left behind following the FDA’s announcement that it is going to phase out animal testing in drug development?

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Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.

Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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This week, Carla Owen and Dr Gemma Davies speak with Professor Jens Schwamborn about using midbrain organoids, 3D human brain models, to study Parkinson’s without animal testing. With Parkinson’s cases rising and current treatments limited, Jens explains how these models offer a more accurate and ethical alternative to animal research, paving the way for personalised, human-specific medicine.

Poll of the Week: Do you think companies like Neuralink should stop testing brain devices on monkeys and focus on developing human-specific alternatives instead? Vote now on X, Facebook or Instagram!

Have your say: Call 0208 054 9695 to share your thoughts.

Support the cause: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

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Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date on all things animal free research!