Animal rights protesters say they have sent a message to the University of Bristol over the continued use of controversial animal testing today (Friday). On the eve of the university's annual open day, PETA activists dropped a giant banner from a bridge over the M32, with the aim of highlighting the use of 'forced swim tests'.
The tests involve placing a rat or mouse into a container filled with water from which they can't escape, so are forced to tread water to avoid drowning. Scientists at the University of Bristol say the tests are used to measure stress levels, and defended their use, saying they are necessary.
But the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - PETA - have a long-running campaign going on, which have involved stunts and lobbying across Bristol. And that continued today, the day after the death of the Queen, on a bridge over the M32 between Gatton Road and Waverley Street in the centre of Bristol
