POLITICS: European Commission's proposal for Directive 86/609

[Guest guest]

European Citizens

Last Wednesday the European Commission adopted its proposal for the revision of

the legislation that controls all animal experiments and sent it to the European

Parliament and the Council of Ministers to be debated. A major issue discussed

is when it will be scientifically possible to phase out primate research while

accepting that it is ethically desirable to do so at the earliest opportunity.

Written Declaration 40/2007, calling for an end to using Great Apes and

wild-caught monkeys in experiments, was signed by 433 MEPs in September 2007.

This has been reflected in the proposal with a ban on experiments on Great Apes

although experiments on other primates is still allowed with conditions.

Research into major human diseases using animals, even primates, have provided

limited results. Many scientists acknowledge that experiments on animals are

inferior to using modern technology based on human biology. In vitro, genetic

research and computer modelling, among other procedures, use modern technology

and will some day provide superior alternatives. The future for finding cures

and advancing medicine lies with new technological advances to test and develop

new drugs. The most resistant diseases attack humans at the cellular level, so

that is where they need to be studied. Minimising unnecessary suffering and the

use of animals in laboratories with the introduction of validated alternatives

based on proven technology is not simply a humane goal but a scientifically

sound one.

In Europe every year more than twelve million animals are used in experiments

and the numbers are rising not falling. The Commission's stated commitment to

replacing animal experiments with modern alternatives is not being adhered to.

Only increased funding into alternative research will reverse this trend and the

review of Directive 86/609 is an ideal opportunity to do this.

An example of alternative technology which is producing results. Non-invasive

human neuroimaging technologies are relatively new but they are being rapidly

developed. One purpose is to find out how the brain experiences pain. Qasim

Aziz, a Professor at Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, has

pioneered the use of brain imaging techniques to investigate how pain signals in

the brain are processed. Focus on Alternatives, a non-profit coalition promoting

alternatives to animal experiments chaired by the Dr Hadwen Trust, support this

technology as a way to provide new drugs and treatments for many thousands of

people who suffer from pain symptoms

It is in the interest of all Europeans to contact their MEPs and ask them to do

all they can to promote alternative technology in all future European

legislation.

If you want to make a difference go to

http://www.eceae.org/b_takeaction.php

You can also help by telling all your friends and associates about the review of

this important legislation.

Thank You

Tony from London, England