Sharjah24- Reuters: Switzerland votes on Sunday whether to become the first country to completely ban medical testing on animals, after animal rights campaigners gathered enough support to stage a referendum in the country, which hosts a huge pharmaceuticals sector.
More than 550,000 animals died in laboratory tests in 2020 in Switzerland, according to government statistics. The figure includes 400,000 mice and rats, nearly 4,600 dogs, 1,500 cats and 1,600 horses. Primates, cows, pigs, fish and birds were also killed during and after experiments
"It's cruel and unnecessary to experiment on animals and I am certain we can develop medicines without it," said Renato Werndli, a doctor from northeast Switzerland who launched the initiative under the Swiss system of direct democracy.
The result of the referendum will be binding.
The ban is not expected to pass, however, to the relief of the pharmaceuticals sector, which has warned the move would halt new drug development and force companies and researchers to relocate abroad.
For an optimal experience, please
