Germany’s commitment to reducing animal experimentation has yielded discernible results, with the latest statistics revealing a significant drop in usage – falling below the two-million mark for the first time. The annual report, released by the German Federal Office for Animal Affairs (Bf3R), indicates 1.95 million animals were used in scientific research and experimentation in 2024, an 8.2% decrease from the previous year. This represents a notable downward trend in the use of vertebrates and cephalopods, shrinking by 9% to a total of 1.33 million.
The majority of animals used continue to be rodents, with mice accounting for a dominant 72% of the total and rats comprising approximately 6%. Fish, rabbits and birds constituted smaller proportions at 13%, 4% and 1% respectively. While the prevalence of procedures deemed of mild severity remains comparatively high at 63%, the share of experiments involving moderate or severe distress sits at a remarkably low 28.4% and 3.6% respectively – figures drawing scrutiny in comparison to other European Union nations.
The Federal Government’s Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Silvia Breher, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), acknowledged the progress, attributing it to the increasing adoption of alternative methods and responsible animal handling practices. However, she emphasized the ongoing reality – a still substantial number of animals employed within the research sector. Breher’s statement, while recognizing positive developments, implicitly raises questions about the pace of reduction and the effectiveness of current incentive structures encouraging the rapid replacement of animal models.
Critics argue that while the decline is welcome, it is insufficient to meet the rising expectations surrounding ethical research and welfare standards. Concerns linger over whether the emphasis on alternative methodologies is adequately resourced and effectively integrated across all scientific disciplines. Furthermore, the relatively low proportion of studies involving higher distress levels, while seemingly positive, may mask challenges in documenting and accurately categorizing suffering. The government’s pledge to “further reduce” animal experimentation now faces the pressure of translating into concrete policy changes and a stronger commitment to resource allocation, ensuring that the trend signifies not merely a gradual decline, but a fundamental shift towards a more humane scientific landscape.
