EU Directive on Animal Experimentation & the threat to UK standards

In October 2010 a revised EU Directive controlling animal experiments was published with the intention to improve EU standards and harmonise controls across the member states. It will undoubtedly lead to some improvements in a number of states but not for the UK which has had higher standards for a number of years. This has led to serious concerns about the effect this Directive will have on animal welfare under UK controls and whether we will see a step backwards in the welfare of animals used for experimentation.

In recent years the use of animals has increased with 3.62 million procedures carried out in 2009 and it is ever more important that regular inspections take place and there is a high level of transparency in the practice. However, the Directive could mean a reduction in central and local controls with less inspections and higher levels of animals suffering, There is a threat to standards of care and accommodation and an increase in inhumane killing methods. Some organisations have also pointed out the limit on primate use could be at risk and there could be an increase in testing on these highly intelligent animals.

There will be a UK Consultation process on the EU Directive in mid March 2011. It is vitally important that people respond to this consultation to ensure UK legislation on animal experiments and its enforcement is not weakened and that standards are not reduced to the bare minimum required by European law. APGAW will be forming a response to the consultation following a meeting with members in March and that will be posted on the website and here.

Please also respond to the consultation or write to Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office, asking her to ensure legislation is kept at a high standard and that cuts are not made as a result of the EU Directive.