Animal tests are a one-way street to pain and suffering, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) continues to recommend animal tests that cause tremendous suffering for rabbits even though a completely non-animal test known as Corrositex satisfies the DOT's needs without killing a single animal.
Almost 17 years ago, the DOT agreed to start using Corrositex%uFFFD. Corrositex provides accurate information, and in the DOT's own words, it "
may be more stringent than the skin necrosis [rabbit] test."
Yet in 2009, the agency is still telling companies to use the rabbit test!Shockingly, the DOT has even advised some companies to
use both the rabbit test
and the Corrositex test so that the companies can choose whichever result they prefer!
In order to test corrosive chemicals before they are transported, the DOT still allows
rabbits' backs to be shaved and corrosive chemicals to be applied to their raw skin and left there for up to two weeks. These chemicals often burn the skin, leading to tissue damage. Rabbits are given no pain relief during this excruciating test, and after the test is finished, the animals are killed.
PETA has asked the DOT to make it clear that the rabbit skin test is not a requirement and that
Corrositex is an approved replacement. We have asked the agency to
simplify the procedures for companies to use Corrositex. To date, DOT officials have failed to respond to this issue.
Please help stop the suffering. Sign the petition below.
I was shocked to learn that although the Department of Transportation (DOT) approved the use of Corrositex in 1993, the agency continues to recommend the use of the skin test on rabbits.
It is egregious that the DOT continues to recommend the rabbit test when Corrositex is approved as a stand-alone test for evaluating corrosivity and the DOT itself has stated that 'the Corrositex test may be more stringent than the skin necrosis test.'
By refusing to take action in this matter, you are ensuring that countless rabbits will continue to suffer and die. Please ensure that the agency immediately clarifies its Web site and informs shippers that only Corrositex should be used to test the corrosivity of materials covered by the Corrositex special permit.
