FIND ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL TESTING SAYS NORTH EAST MEP (Greg Stone)

FIND ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL TESTING SAYS NORTH EAST MEP

November 16, 2009 3:05 PM
Originally published by Fiona Hall MEP

A North East MEP has urged the European Commission to increase funding for scientists looking into alternatives to animal research and testing.

With existing EU rules on animal experimentation currently under revision, Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall has signed a Written Declaration in the European Parliament calling for strict standards on the basis of the 'three R's' principle of replacing, reducing and refining animal testing.

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 cosmetic tests, toxicology and disease diagnosis.

Said Fiona:

"Unfortunately, in certain cases animal experimentation is still necessary at present to advance biomedical research and develop new treatments and vaccines.

"But we should always be moving in the direction of reducing animal experimentation as much as possible. Any new rules must ensure that animals are used only where no other means are available and research looking into alternatives to animal experimentation needs to be better funded."

Full text of the Written Declaration:

Written declaration on the promotion of alternatives to animal research and testing

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas EU citizens are increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals,

B. whereas the European Commission's Working Document on a Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals (2006-2010) states that a 'final aim is to replace animal experiments with methods not entailing the use of an animal',

C. whereas through ECVAM (the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) the Commission provides funding and services to promote the development and validation of alternatives to animal methods, but whereas output could be improved by increased funding, better coordination and acceleration of administrative procedures,

D. whereas the development and use of alternative methods entails the application of technological and scientific capabilities, contributing to Lisbon Strategy goals,

1. Calls upon the Commission to increase funding for the replacement of animal research and testing and to extend the responsibilities of ECVAM in order to promote the development and use of alternatives to animal procedures in applied and basic research as well as regulatory testing;

2. Requests that the Commission assess options for increasing the funds available for this work, including the introduction of a 'research levy' of 1% of the selling price of products that contain ingredients tested on animals;

3. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.