Problems in setting up a European statistics on animal experimentation

The Akademie für Tierschutz has performed a study to analyse the problems in connection with the European statistics on animal experimentation. This study included an evaluation of the national and the European registration schemes as well as of the legal basis that exists in the EU Member States with regard to the registration of animal experiments. Moreover, selected individuals that participate in the statistics (researchers from industry and academia, officials) and animal welfare organisations were interviewed. Deficiencies within European and national legislation and within the statistical tables used were identified as causes for the unsatisfactory European statistics on animal experimentation. Additionally, it could be proved that binding EU legislation has not been implemented to full extent yet.