43,585 signatures against animal experiments handed over to University of Düsseldorf
- Press release
Polititians in North Rhine-Westfalia refused acceptance of the petition
On 17 July, Doctors Against Animal Experiments (DAAE) handed over 43,585 signatures to the ZETT, the central institution for animal research at the University of Düsseldorf (HHU). Core demand: Stop all animal experiments at the HHU and switch to animal-free research and teaching. In a constructive dialogue, DAAE offered support for the changeover.
Initially, DAAE investigated various animal experiments at the University of Düsseldorf - including cruel dental experiments on dogs. In January 2024, this led to the campaign "Release the dogs! Put an end to animal experiments at the HHU Düsseldorf". The aim and demand of the petition: to release the dogs still kept in the laboratory despite the animal experiments having been ended, not to use other animals instead of dogs and finally to stop all animal experiments at the HHU and to establish a chair for animal-free research. Despite partial progress - two of the four remaining dogs were placed into private hands last year - the systematic use of animals at the university remains the standard.
North Rhine-Westfalian Science Minister Ina Brandes and HHU Rector Prof Dr Anja Steinbeck showed no interest in accepting the petition with signatures of tens of thousands of citizens. The latter finally referred DAAE to the ZETT as the responsible body.
After a photo session on the university campus, Dr Dilyana Filipova, geneticist and scientific advisor at DAAE, and Nadine Langen from DAAE's Düsseldorf working group had a detailed discussion with Prof Dr Sabine Bischoff, head of ZETT. The association reiterated its call for a clear strategy to phase out animal experiments at the HHU. A central point was the replacement of animal-based education. Prof Bischoff assured that all students who do not wish to carry out practicals involving animals or animal materials can apply to do so without any disadvantages for their studies. She also emphasised that the university is open to replacing animal experiments wherever possible.
"The discussion took place in a constructive atmosphere. We see a great need for change at the HHU, but also a small initial step. We hope that this is the beginning of a long-term dialogue to jointly support the university in the transition to completely animal-free research and teaching," said Dr Filipova.
Activists of the DAAE Düsseldorf working group and Dr Dilyana Filipova (middle) at the University of Düsseldorf campus just before the hand-in of the signatures.