The latest statistics for animal research in the Netherlands
reveal that 714,449 animals were used during 2001, a 4% decline
from 2000. The reduction stemmed, in part, from a decline in
the production of genetically modified animals, from 37,768 in
2000 to 26,042 in 2001.
In 2001, animals were used for the following purposes (in
decreasing order of use): studies of a fundamental nature
(47%); discovery, development, and quality control (including
safety evaluation of products or appliances for human and
veterinary medicine) (43%); toxicology (8%); education and
training (2%); and diagnosis (1%).
The Dutch statistics address animal discomfort, defined as:
"a state including impairment of the animal's health, or as
appreciable pain, injury or other grave distress caused to the
animal." Discomfort levels are assessed after an experiment has
been conducted. In 2001, 36% of the animals experienced
moderate to very severe discomfort; the balance experienced
discomfort that was either minor (40%) or minor/moderate
(23%).
Source: The Netherlands Centre
Alternatives to Animal Use (NCA)
