Campaigners in red boiler suits and dressed as scientists protested outside the University of Bradford yesterday against the use of animals in experiments.

The Anti-Vivisection Coalition – an international organisation involved in the protection of animals in laboratories – organised the event after its research showed that animals were deprived of food and dosed with recreational drugs in psychology tests at the university.

Director of Campaigns Luke Steele said: “The Anti-Vivisection Coalition demand the Government adopt our charter on animal experiments and immediately outlaw horrendous psychology tests. More than 10,000 people have already backed our petition and we will not take no for an answer.”

When the protest was announced, the university stressed that the use of animals in research was tightly regulated and only permitted when there was no viable alternative.

“The University conducts pioneering research designed to improve the treatment of cancer and mental illness,” a spokesman said.