Animal experiments: the figures of shame

Photo : Peta

In the introduction, the EU publishes its vague desires for accountability – accountability requested by law and by the citizens – and announces the difference between the number of animals used in laboratories and that used for genetically modified lines.

The latter is more than 1.5 million. 16% of those suffer with illnesses from birth, appear weaker and are more exposed to stress and pain. Ethical progress is measured from the outset…

Experiments which continue despite the law

The EU announced that 8,921,758 animals were used for the first time in 2018 (to which it is necessary to add those already in the laboratories which are reused): a figure which has fallen below 9 million individuals for the first time. But the statistics previously given did not take Norway into account. With this country, 10,572,305 animals have in fact been used (still for the first time) in 2018 in European laboratories. We had reported almost identical statistics last year. It is clear to see: nothing has changed. Experiments carried out on animals, both cruel and archaic, remain commonplace, despite the European directive which provides for alternative and replacement methods to be implemented, with a commitment to the total replacement of animals in tests.

More dogs and primates

As we know, primates are protected species. However, they are being used more and more in European laboratories (+4% in 2018). Dogs are also more likely to be exposed to experimental torture: the sad statistics indicate an increase of 29%. Amongst the species most imported into the European Union from non-EU countries, there were also cats (38%) as well as dogs (46%). We do not stop raising the alarm on this despicable trafficking and the conditions in which the dogs are raised.

1.9 million animals used in France

In this sombre list, France occupies a prominent position. Our country is the third highest user of dogs in Europe: 4,219 dogs were used in our labs in 2018 (+3% compared to 2017) and the highest user of primates (3,510). France also occupies third place on the European podium when it comes to the number of animals used, standing at 1.9 million. We could continue to reel off the France’s sad records on the subject of animal experiments. Suffice to say that our country is one of the six EU countries which still uses the ascites method on mice to produce monoclonal antibodies, despite the availability of non-animal methods of production.

Animals remain cannon fodder in our country, as they do in Europe.

Translated from the French by Sophie Martin