MEP supports moves to end animal cruelty

A North West Euro-MP has welcomed moves to introduce a permanent ban on experiments on mankind’s closest relatives.

The European Commission has announced plans to end tests on chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans as part of a clampdown on animal testing by the drugs industry and other researchers.

The proposals seek to ensure that other animals are used only where no other means are available.

Provision will be made for a lifting of the restrictions in the case of medical emergencies.

Around 12 million animals, mostly rats and mice, are used in experiments across the EU each year. Half of these are for drug development and testing, a third for biology studies and the rest for cosmetics tests, toxicology and disease diagnosis.

If the proposal is approved, EU countries would have to enforce standards of care for animals, which would only be used as a last resort and in reduced numbers.

Techniques such as computer modelling and use of tissue and cell culture are in some cases proving to be more efficient and reliable than animal experiments.

North West Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies is backing the Commission’s proposals.

He said: “I do not oppose the principle that laboratory animals may be used in tests vital for medical research, but every effort must be made to stimulate development of alternative methods.

“Other than in the most exceptional cases we should prohibit the use of apes, which are mankind’s closest relatives and experience many of the same emotions and pain responses as ourselves.”