Leftists criticize number of animal experiments in Saxony

The Left Party in Saxony's state parliament criticizes the number of animal experiments in the state and calls for alternatives. "In Saxony, too, experiments are carried out on thousands of animals every year," said party and parliamentary group leader Susanne Schaper. Scientists assume that the results can be transferred to humans. However, the facts show that the scientific validity of animal experiments is dubious and that the extent of animal suffering cannot be ethically justified.

Leftists demand more transparency and the right to sue associations

"This is all the more true in the age of high-tech research methods such as AI-supported software. The state government must ensure that the number of laboratory animals is reduced," said Schaper. Animal experiments should only be permitted if they are indispensable.

More transparency is needed in animal testing and a right of action for animal welfare associations, organizations and foundations. Alternative methods should be further developed. Public funding should preferably go to research institutions that use alternatives.

More than 100,000 bred animals killed as unnecessary

April 24 is celebrated as the International Day for the Abolition of Animal Experiments. Schaper regularly asks the state parliament for information on Saxony - including on so-called surplus animals. These are animals that were bred for scientific purposes but were then not used. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, around 109,000 such animals were killed in Saxony in 2023. These are usually rodents such as mice and rats.

"We are calling for a nationwide legal ban on animal experiments that are associated with severe and prolonged pain and suffering for animals or are not medically necessary or fully replaceable," said Schaper.