Flanders experienced the the lowest number of animal tests in ten years in 2023, according to the regional Minister for Animal Welfare, Ben Weyts.
"The annual number fluctuates," said Weyts (N-VA). "In 2014, there were over 280,300 animal experiments, but this number dropped to over 241,200 the next year. The figures rose again in 2017 and 2018 to more than 260,000 experiments. In 2023, with just over 240,800 tests, we saw the lowest number in a decade."
The Flemish Government aims to further reduce the number of animal experiments in the coming years by investing in alternative methods.
"Where there is an alternative, we must use the alternative. Where there is no alternative, we must invent an alternative," said Weyts, after saying that he wants the region to be become a "pioneer" in Europe for phasing out animal experiments.
KU Leuven will receive €160,000 in support for developing and spreading the use of organoids, which are artificially grown miniature organs made from stem cells.
These miniaturised and simplified versions of organs, such as a liver or lung, can be used by researchers to test new medicines.
"This approach allows us to continue making scientific progress without the need for more and more animal experiments," the press release stated.
