GAIA and Cruelty Free Europe (1) saved 80,527 animals
chemical tests

Brussels, August 4 -

Between 2009 and 2015, GAIA, the Belgian representative of Cruelty Free Europe [1], managed to save more than 80,527 animals from chemical tests.
This is what Michel Vandenbosch, president of GAIA, said.
It shows that animal rights organizations can make a difference.
“It also shows that our actions are still necessary,” underlines Michel Vandenbosch.
“Without our investigation and our objections to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), tens of thousands of animals would have suffered needlessly. "
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published 1,500 requests for testing chemicals on animals. Toxicologists from GAIA and Cruelty Free Europe analyzed these requests in depth.

For 540 of these applications, Cruelty Free Europe and GAIA raised objections.
In 76 cases, these objections saved a total of more than 80,572 animals (74,330 rats, 125 mice, 580 rabbits, 2,660 fish and 2,832 birds).

Unnecessary tests

We still continue to do horrible and unnecessary animal testing.
An example in which the demonstrations of Cruelty Free Europe and GAIA were crowned with success: a company wanted to breathe the substance 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene regularly for 90 days.
This substance, better known as TNT, has long been known for its explosive and dangerous properties. The company in question withdrew its request following the objection.
Several requests for animal testing were also found to be flawed or legally unnecessary, indicating a lack of knowledge and caring among some members of the industry.
The European Commission wants to change the regulations on chemicals, which is likely to result in an increase in animal experiments.
Michel Vandenbosch:
“Many people think that animal testing is gradually phasing out due to stricter legislation.
Nothing is less true.
In 2020, the fight against absurd animal experiments is not yet over and animal rights organizations must continue to play watchdogs. "

[1] Cruelty Free Europe is a Brussels-based network of animal rights organizations committed to ending animal testing across Europe.
The following countries are represented: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Croatia, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.