German military expects rise in animal testing projects by 2029

The German Defence Ministry expects an increase in military research projects involving animals by 2029, citing growing scientific demands and a changing geopolitical environment, according to a government response to a parliamentary inquiry seen by dpa.

The ministry said all experiments comply with Germany's animal welfare laws and follow guidelines designed to replace animal testing where possible, reduce the number of animals used and minimize pain and distress.

Animal testing had long been used by the armed forces, including in research aimed at improving treatment for wounded soldiers.

The ministry declined to provide figures for animals used in military research between 2020 and 2025, classifying the information as confidential for reasons of state security.

According to previous ministry data, Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, used around 400 animals in 2019, mainly rats. Research included testing treatments for skin injuries in mice, studying kidney injuries in pigs and practising surgical procedures on mice, rats and guinea pigs. 

The figures also included military service dogs used in first-aid training and donkeys and mules used in veterinary courses.

The opposition The Left party, which submitted the parliamentary inquiry, criticized the prospect of more animal testing. "Instead of more animal experiments in the Bundeswehr, we need a concrete plan to phase them out across society and an immediate ban on severe animal testing," parliamentary group manager Ina Latendorf told the Rheinische Post newspaper.

The ministry said no experiments classified as causing severe pain, suffering or distress are currently planned.

Animal testing remains widely used in medical research in Germany, although the nationwide number of laboratory animals has declined in recent years to about 1.33 million in 2024.