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Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� conducts research using laboratory animals, which the organisation Animal Rights opposes on principle. Even so, they’ve cooperated successfully for years. Monique Janssens (Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��) and Jen Hochmuth (Animal Rights) talk about the cooperation, in which mutual trust is key.

It started in 2014 with half-yearly consultations between the two organisations. “Animal Rights saw our blind spots and asked critical questions”, Janssens explains. “This helped us take a critical look at our work. We, in turn, had an opportunity to explain what we do on behalf of animal welfare.” Mutual respect grew, with a concrete collaborative structure set up in 2020.

Adopting lab animals

Monique Janssens: “Both of us were surprised that small-sized former lab animals, such as mice and rats, are put to death while large former lab animals, such as horses and dogs, are rehomed. Animals Rights immediately offered to assist if the university were willing to put former lab animals up for adoption. So that’s what we did. To convince policymakers, we began a small pilot without any long-term promises. This pilot, involving ten rats and fifteen mice, really caught on. Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� no longer puts any redundant lab animals to death.”

Jen Hochmuth: “It’s great to see that so many people are willing to adopt a former lab animal. Each year, half a million lab animals die unnecessarily in the Netherlands: because they’ve been bred but aren’t used, for example, or because the test has ended and they’ve become redundant. It’s shocking.”

Setting an example

To date, over 1,670 former lab animals from Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� have been adopted. The adopted animals are mice, rats, chickens, goats, hamsters, zebra finches, a python and an iguana. In Hochmuth’s opinion, ‘Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� is setting an example.’

“We’re now also in touch with other universities to set up an adoption project for small former lab animals. If there are any doubts about its feasibility, we point to Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� to show that it works.”

Solutions out of reach

“We can accomplish more by working with the university”, says Hochmuth. “At Animal Rights we want to prevent the suffering of animals, but solutions are often out of reach. Together with the university, we can actually make a difference."

At first, researchers shy away from conversations with animals rights organisations

The cooperation also has added value for the university. “Without Animals Rights we could never have rehomed former lab animals”, Janssens explains. “Their network is crucial. They recruit adopters from among their supporters, a large group of animal lovers. They also arranged for temporary shelter in rodent rescue Het Knagertje. The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals also provides help. They place animal ads on the national website for shelter and adoption animals, ikzoekbaas.nl.”

Enriching each other’s knowledge

Sometimes they disagree, but they always look for the dialogue, even on sensitive issues.

Janssens: “Some time ago, Animal Rights had a campaign against animal testing for research into cardiovascular disease. Utrecht researchers carry out this kind of testing and were alarmed at the campaign. I initiated a conversation between the researchers and the Animal Rights people in order to reduce the tension. At first, researchers often shy away from conversations with animals rights organisations. I explain that such conversations help each party understand the other better. What both organisations have in common is their passion for doing what’s right for people and animals. Following the conversation, Animal Rights corrected inaccurate information on its website, while the researchers reflected critically on the aspects Animal Rights found disturbing. They enriched each other’s knowledge and got closer to each other’s positions.”

Hochmuth: “Respectful exchange makes it clear that we often want to achieve the same things, even if our priorities aren’t always aligned.

A mediator trusted by both parties is indispensable

Mediation works

What is the top tip for a fruitful conversation? “A mediator trusted by both parties is indispensable”, Hochmuth believes. “I’d like to pay a compliment to Monique here. We often have conversations with scientists, but many of those conversations aren’t constructive. At Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, Monique is the mediator, which helps immensely. So: thank you, Monique!” Janssens laughs. “Most people are very reasonable, we always find. I pay attention to equality and let each party respond to the other at the right time. I identify and clear up misunderstandings, which I’m able to do because I’m familiar with the facts and aware of each side’s concerns.”

Mutual trust

Do Janssens and Hochmuth have any tips? “Go for the dialogue”, Janssens stresses. “In person, of course, not via video call. You have to get a feel for each other’s position and take the time needed.” Hochmuth adds: “And follow up on the conversations. Don’t let good plans and ideas go to waste.” Janssens has something else to add from her perspective as a communications consultant: “Don’t violate each other’s trust, and communicate jointly about joint projects. Discuss how you want to word things. Wrong wording can be hurtful and get in the way of cooperation. Mutual trust is essential.”

Text: Rosan Reusken