Dutch Parliament Sets Five-Year Plan to End Animal Testing
The Hague, Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
The Dutch Tweede Kamer has approved a plan to transition away from animal testing within five years, reallocating funds towards non-animal methods, aligning with global ethical standards.
Transition to Ethical Research Practices
The Dutch government has outlined a strategic plan to phase out animal testing in scientific research within five years, a significant step toward ethical scientific practices. This initiative is based on the recent budget approval by the Eerste Kamer, which reallocates funding towards cruelty-free testing methods. This transition aligns with global ethical standards and enhances the reputation of Dutch research internationally [1][2].
Advocacy from the Biotechnology Sector
Organizations such as HollandBio are at the forefront of advocating for a swift transition to non-animal testing innovations. They emphasize the collective desire to eliminate animal testing entirely. The advocacy highlights a national consensus on replacing animal experiments with alternative methods, which are seen as crucial for maintaining the ethical integrity of the research community [1].
Implementation and Challenges
The plan was proposed by Partij voor de Dieren MP Kostić and is set to redirect funds from primate testing at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) to alternative models. This change is part of a broader strategy to replace 50% of animal experiments with non-animal methods by 2025, aiming for 80% by 2030. The transition, however, faces challenges due to the necessity of certain animal research for complex disease treatments [2][3][4].
Innovation and Global Impact
The shift towards non-animal testing methods is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation within the biotechnology sector. Companies and research institutes are exploring technologies such as AI, organ-on-a-chip, and organoids, which promise more predictive and human-relevant results. This approach positions Dutch research as a leader in humane scientific innovation, potentially influencing global practices [3][4].