An EU action plan must be established to end the use of animal testing in Europe as soon as possible and in a safe manner. To this end, a large majority of the European Parliament has called for a resolution co-drafted by the Dutch MEP Mohammed Chahim (PvdA).
Nearly ten million animal tests are conducted annually in Europe for scientific research and medicine development. The Netherlands ranks seventh among the largest users of laboratory animals. And although more animal-free testing models are coming onto the market, according to Chahim, the decline in animal testing use is not happening fast enough.
“We know that medicines that appear safe and effective in animal studies can fail in humans. Moreover, there are medicines that could help people but are discarded because they fail in animal tests. Other testing methods — without using animals — can yield results that are more reliable,” the PvdA member said.
“No one wants animals to be used in laboratories, not even for scientific purposes. But we also know that you cannot stop animal testing overnight. However, now that good alternatives are available, it is time for action. Europe must become a frontrunner in animal-free research.”
MEP Anja Hazekamp (Party for the Animals) is also pleased with the broad support for the resolution. “Every year, 22 million animals are used and abused in European laboratories, while the EU has promised for thirty years to reduce that number. Action is needed with concrete goals to eliminate this enormous number of animal tests,” Hazekamp said.