In 2010, the European Union passed a directive with the ultimate aim of replacing the use of animals in research, testing, and teaching. Recently the European Parliament has realised that there has not been enough progress, so they have taken action!

Last month, the European Parliament voted in favour of a resolution that calls on the European Commission to draw up an action plan to phase out animal experiments. This call for an action plan to end the use of animal experimentation passed with a resounding vote of 667 to 4. The European Commission now has 3 months to reply. 

New Zealand is being left behind – we have not yet even committed to an aim to eliminate the harmful use of animals in science! NZAVS’ Striking at the Source campaign has already been building up a base to do exactly that – and much more.

New Zealand needs its own plan to eliminate animal experiments. That is why the Striking at the Source petition calls for setting goals, providing funding for change, retraining scientists, and more!

Progress in the EU means that New Zealand will be more receptive to upping its game so that it doesn’t get left behind. Let’s keep up the pressure!