154,000 animal deaths in Brussels laboratories last year

More than 154,000 animals died in Brussels laboratories last year, according to figures from the Brussels region on the use of laboratory animals for scientific research.

About 44,000 animals were used for experiments, while a further 110,000 died without being used in any experiments. Almost all the animals - more than nine in 10 - were mice. Others included zebrafish and rats, and, in smaller numbers, guinea pigs, pigs and chickens.

The organisation Suppression des Expériences sur l’Animal (SEA) describes the laboratory deaths as a “waste of animal lives”.

“The animals do indeed suffer in the laboratories, and many experiments can be likened to torture,” the organisation said.

Most animals were used for basic research, which primarily aims to build knowledge without an immediate practical application. Only a small proportion - around one in 10 - were used for research designed to translate discoveries into concrete applications.

About 5,700 animals underwent tests of "severe" intensity, which cause significant suffering. For more than 15,000 animals, the intensity was described as "moderate", and for more than 20,000, "mild".

The number of laboratory animals used has fallen to its lowest level in 10 years. In 2016, the figure was almost twice as high.

SEA said it was disappointed that so many animals were used for basic research which, according to the organisation, almost never leads to medical progress. 

The organisation also believes that too many animal experiments continue to take place whose usefulness is disputed, and all whilst alternatives - such as computer simulations, cell cultures and artificial intelligence - exist.

SEA also said that studies showed the vast majority of medicines tested on animals ultimately do not work in humans, and that most laboratory inspections are announced in advance. This was the case in 106 out of 129 inspections. 

According to the organisation, animal welfare laws can only be properly complied with if there are also regular unannounced inspections.