Why animal experiments are necessary
The question 
Animal testing is constantly under fire, but there is barely any attention paid to what the benefits are for society. How can we as patients’ organisations and scientists gain a more even balance in the news coverage and public opinion?
The answer 
This requires a broad-based initiative. We set up a special foundation with the sole task of providing the most objective information possible about experiments on laboratory animals, paying particular attention to why they are carried out and the results. We tried to gain support for this foundation from scientists, the medical profession, patients’ organisations and trade and industry.
The result
Stichting Informatie Dierproeven was set up almost three years ago and it has received the necessary broad support. The foundation’s web site has been visited more than 150,000 times. Every day the foundation answers requests for information from pupils and students. A pool of twenty scientists, animal testing experts and patients give guest talks. Journalists and politicians have been introduced to researchers and have visited the laboratories where the animals are tested. Coverage in the media has become much more evenly-balanced, now that it is easy for journalists to hear both sides of the story.
