Strengthening rules on animal research
I CAN assure Jan Creamer, Measures could set animal rights back, Points of view, April 6, that I am, and always have been, a passionate defender of laboratory animals.
The European Parliament report I authored will significantly toughen up the European rules surrounding animal research. In addition, this report will encourage the development of alternative testing methods, will ensure that data on animal tests is shared and that there are regular thematic reviews on experiments involving non-human primates. This directive is, therefore, a significant step forward for animal welfare.
We all want to see animal experimentation reduced, however we also want to benefit from medicines when we or our relatives develop illnesses.
Vaccines for polio, German measles, hepatitis B, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis, along with combined therapy drugs for HIV, medicines to control asthma, life support systems for premature babies and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease have all been developed through experimentation on primates.
Many millions of lives have been saved or improved as a result of these medical enhancements.
My report, far from achieving very little, sets the framework for animal experiments to be phased out as soon as we have alternatives in place.
I believe that this is the most sensible way to deal with this immensely difficult and emotional subject.
Neil Parish
MEP for the Westcountry
(by email)
Comments
by AR2048, London
Friday, April 10 2009, 12:28AM
“In the real world the effect of the amendments will be -
Reducing the scientific justification needed to experiment on monkeys - despite the enormous public concern, there will be less scrutiny of proposals to use primates.
European Commission's proposals to stop the trapping of wild monkeys - delayed indefinitely
Authorisation/licensing of almost all experiments would be ended - the majority of animal research would be a free-for-all.
Allowing almost unlimited re-use of animals in all but a handful of experiments, including toxicity tests and inducing brain damage.
Allowing animals to suffer severe and prolonged pain.
I am horrified that MEPs have voted for the amendments, each and every MEP who tabled such amendments must be named and shamed - so the public know who NOT to vote for ever again.
People in the West Country already know the name of one MEP NOT to vote for again - Neil Parish.
Oh and in the US alone each year adverse drug reactions to 'animal tested' medicines kill around 100,000 people and around another 2 million need to be admitted to hospital because of same.
This is why we desperately need scientific, human-relevant research and testing instead of the nonsense of experimenting on genetically different species.
Anyone genuinely interested in medical progress and safe, effective medicines for humans should visit
www.safermedicines.net”