An investigation has revealed that Irish universities have outsourced animal testing to laboratories outside the European Union, spending hundreds of thousands of euros on experiments that are not subject to oversight by Ireland's Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). These experiments have raised concerns from anti-vivisection groups who argue that such practices effectively outsource cruelty beyond EU regulations.

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Both the University of Galway and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences confirmed they have commissioned animal studies outside the EU. A report by The Journal Investigates identified 17 studies from 2020 to 2026 focused on diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and women's health, using a variety of animals including pigs, sheep, mice, and rabbits in facilities located in the United States, India, and Malaysia.

Details have emerged about some of these experiments, including one in the US where mice underwent procedures involving skin compression between magnets, and another where sheep had their ovaries surgically removed.

The HPRA has no authority to approve, inspect, or report on animal research conducted abroad, which means that such animals are excluded from Ireland’s annual animal use statistics. The University of Galway has reportedly spent over €400,000 on overseas studies without providing detailed records regarding animal numbers, welfare outcomes, or the conditions in which experiments were conducted.

The University of Galway identified 12 overseas studies between January 2020 and February 2026, with reported payments to several organizations in India and the US. Records obtained showed payments such as €102,174 to Presude Lifesciences in India and €100,093 to Powered Research in North Carolina, among others.

RCSI disclosed five studies undertaken outside of Ireland, revealing limited information about the species involved or any adverse outcomes. One notable experiment involved intentionally perforating the eardrums of chinchillas, which, according to prior records, resulted in deaths and significant suffering.

The institutions defended their actions, stating that animal studies are conducted under necessary ethical and regulatory protections and are aimed at improving health outcomes. University representatives noted that outsourcing can sometimes be justified by the need for specialized skills or resources unavailable within Ireland.

However, prior violations concerning animal welfare at facilities where experiments were conducted have been reported, raising questions about the vetting processes used by these universities when selecting laboratories abroad. Observations from experts emphasize the need to ensure that welfare standards match or exceed those established in Ireland.

Critics assert that sending experiments abroad undermines the EU's objective of minimizing animal suffering and that it may allow institutions to evade stricter regulations. Advocates for animal welfare are calling for greater transparency regarding the animals used in research funded by Irish institutions, arguing the public deserves detailed insight into the treatment of these animals.