742 000 animals used in laboratories in Belgium 2009

Last year, 741,989 animals were used in Belgian laboratories. Most animals were used for the development and monitoring of drugs and vaccines. Especially rats and mice were popular animals. According to figures from the 394 Belgian laboratories that can perform animal tests. In ten years the number of animals also declined by six percent. "A mediocre results," responds animal rights organization Gaia.

Compared with 2008, one third less monkeys (29 versus 41), fourth fewer dogs (584 vs. 788) and approximately one third less cats (56 versus 78) used. The total number of animals was however the height of 16,619 animals, or 2.29 percent. In 85 percent of cases, mice and rats used. Rabbits are increasingly used, especially when considering antibodies to treat cancer or genetic disorders.

Fish

For several years diving also fish and fish larvae in the laboratory. Chickens are also many animals, but mainly for research into alternative methods for keeping chickens and thus their welfare.

Gaia

In ten years the number of animals declined by six percent. "A mediocre results when the European directive of 1986 there will by Member States to encourage alternative research, judges Gaia. The next government, according to Gaia, by the end of the legislature have been working on a twenty percent decrease in the number of animals. The new government should also free up more budget for alternative research. Only good intentions are not enough, he adds.

Dweller Frameries hose is 70 inches in his house

A resident of Frameries (Hainaut) today a snake about 70 inches long were found in his house. He was the animal using a brush to dislodge the courtyard of the house. The police caught the reptile.

To pairi Daizi
The snake was very aggressive. As soon as the police tried to catch her, put them in attack position. After she was caught, the snake to the park in pairi Daiza Brugelette, where they would be quarantined before they reached the other snakes of the animal is housed.

Transmitter works for endangered species such as IUD

Twelve female godwits in May last year had a small transmitter built, could therefore not lay eggs. The threatened grassland birds did have sex, but the transmitter was working inadvertently as a spiral. Theunis Piersma study that says the University of Groningen (RUG) in response to a post on this in the NRC Handelsblad.

Migration route

Scientists from the University brought in a total of fifteen godwits small radios inside. They would thus learn more about the exact migration route of birds. The creatures have their breeding grounds in Friesland and make treks to southern Europe and Asia.

Disappointment

Although the survey yielded a wealth of information was very disappointed when it turned out that no female has bred success, says Piersma. "For us as researchers was terrible. Godwits have before us a very cuddly, so you want them in any way hinder their development."

Florida alligator hunts in which animals eat

In a small town in Florida hunted an alligator who has several dogs and other pets have eaten. That the authorities reported.

An alligator hunter has been admitted to three meters long animal to kill. It is still a challenge to the animal, which has been terrorizing the town two years, to catch. Alligators often move through the sewer system.

"It is really hard to capture exactly the animal that we seek," says another. When the reptile is Monday again strip to make a dog, was that the residents of the drop that broke the camel's back. The animal was then still seen near a butcher, but when the alligator catcher spot came, there was no trace of the predator.

Every day there are 400 pets abandoned in Spain

According to data from the Fundación Affinity are held every day in Spain 400 pets abandoned. In particular, the summer months, when families go on vacation and not know what they have to be put on their pets, they are to their fate. In addition, one third of this number so that the puppy survival are very small, especially when the cats as they can pick up more diseases.

Of dogs and cats, the latter the most affected, particularly families easy classification summer months when their cat out of the door and feel that this one will survive. But in summer it is also the time that cats give birth to boy more susceptible to diseases. 80% of abandoned cats will not survive.

Animal Shelters Homes in Spain are crowded, and little animals find new homes. In particular, the puppies are in demand while also sufficient adult animals are another family in need. All in all, leaving animals in Spain a major problem, especially in times of economic crisis.

More and more pets for sale via the Internet

In the holiday dump a lot of Brussels for their pet so carefree travel leaving. More and more owners also want to exploit their animal. They do not to an asylum, but offer it for sale on the internet. Something is strictly forbidden.

The big holiday is not a happy time for pets. For months, the best friend, but suddenly a millstone. Dump then. In animal shelters such as Help Animals in Anderlecht find the animals a temporary home half.

Every year some 70,000 dogs and cats also to their fate. Some 20,000 forced to get a shot. And recently a new phenomenon puts its head. People dump their animals longer, they sell them on the Internet.

"People want to exploit their animals," says Liliane Lambeau, president of Help Animals. However, the private sale of animals on the Internet totally illegal and dangerous. You do not know what kind of animal you get home. "On the Internet sellers tell untruths."

Pets are good for your health

Pets are not just fun playmates. Did you know that they are excellent for our health? Especially cats and dogs. They are good for body and mind!

1) Pats is healthy! It is so relaxing that the stress hormones in your blood to go. Do you have a cat in your home and pet the animal often? Your blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease decreased considerable.

2) Do not you just fit in your head, but also have a good condition? Then a dog. By walking with your dog will get extra exercise, and keep your body in shape. Also relaxes your mind by a regular block to go with your pet.

3) Pets make you more sociable. By walking the dog, you increase the chances of social contact. Especially with other dog lovers. Social contacts are undoubtedly good for your wellbeing.

4) Who is older, may suffer from the empty nest syndrome. Who should make sure your children are left home? With a pet doing, fills that void to some extent and gives you the feeling that you need.

5) For children it is good to have a pet. They learn to care for someone and have their dog or cat a loyal friend. Children sometimes easier to talk to their pets and can thus their hearts skies.

6) Even a pet for your relationship is an advantage. It creates a bond between you and your partner, you have something to talk together or to care.