Animal Testing Down

Major reforms in animal testing are underway in the Netherlands this month. While testing on primates closely related to humans was banned in 2003, major Dutch research firm TNO has recently said it will immediately stop testing on all primates. Additionally, a proposed ban on testing products on cats and dogs received enough support to be represented in Parliament. This ban was ultimately rejected on procedural grounds but is predicted to pass in future hearings due to immense citizen support. These bans represent a trend in use of alternative measures for testing, which are often less expensive and save the lives of countless animals. In 2009, the Netherlands had reduced the number of animals tested by more than half since 30 years ago.