Since 2013, animal testing for cosmetics is no longer allowed in the EU. Tests in which medicines or, for example, food are examined are still permitted. According to Cruelty Free Europe In 2017, some 23.5 million animals were used for animal testing. Nearly half a million animals were used in the Netherlands; mostly mice, fish and rats. Experiments with dogs, cats and monkeys occur, but are a minority.
Support from the European Commission
The European Commission is now responding reaction on the citizens’ initiative, where some 1.2 million spoke out against animal testing, to want to further support research into alternative methods of testing, also financially. In addition, the Commission will present a step-by-step plan to accelerate the phasing out of animal testing in research, education and training. “An important first step,” says Weijers.
Animal testing is not yet possible today
Doctor-virologist Katja Wolthers, among others, proves that medical research can also be done without animal testing. She works with organoids: lab-grown human organs. For example, she can investigate the effect of a virus on an intestine, without using animals. The advantage is that you are doing experiments with human cells. Animals regularly appear to react differently than humans in tests.
According to Wolthers, it is not yet possible to completely ban animal testing, but with the right regulations and funding, this could become a reality in the long term.
2023-08-13 10:27:34
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