BUAV: MEPs launch bid to end inhumane experiments on primates in EU labs
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Wednesday, 27, Jun 2007 12:00
MEPs representing 11 European countries will today stage a symbolic ‘release’ of ‘primates’ from their cages on the steps of the European Parliament ( see notes to editors for MEP list).
The event marks the launch of the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments’ (ECEAE) campaign to secure a ban on the use of these sensitive and intelligent creatures in EU labs via the EC’s forthcoming review of the lab animal directive 86/609.
Each MEP will uncage a campaigner dressed as a primate to represent the opportunity they have via the new law to free non-human primates from pain and suffering they currently endure in EU labs.
The directive, which is expected to be published in draft later this year, is designed to overhaul the antiquated rules governing animal experiments in Europe. It represents an historic opportunity for the EU to ensure a humane approach is placed at the heart of European Research and Development policy.
In particular the directive is a key opportunity for the EU to outlaw the morally indefensible and scientifically questionable practice of subjecting primates to painful and invasive experiments.
Over eighty per cent of the 40,000 responses from European Citizens who responded to the EC’s consultation on the revision of 86/609 said they did not consider the use of monkeys in experiments as acceptable.
ECEAE chief executive Michelle Thew, who is also chief executive of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) said: “The event today shows the strength of opposition across the EU to the continuing use of these sensitive creatures in painful experiments. The ECEAE is calling on the EU to take this opportunity to become world leaders in modern, humane research by releasing all monkeys from our labs.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The photocall with MEPs will take place at 2:30pm Weds 27th June on the steps of the European Parliament, Rue Wiertz/Wiertzstraat 60,B-1047 Brussels
The confirmed MEPs attending the photocall at 2:30pm on 27th June on the steps of the European Parliament, Rue Wiertz/ Wiertzstraat 60, B1-047 Brussels are Karin Resetarits representing Austria; Bart Staes, Frieda Brepoels and Pierre Jonckheer representing Belgium; Satu Hassi representing Finland; Hiltrud Breyer representing Germany; Guido Sacconi and Pasqualina Napoletano representing Italy, David Hammerstein representing Spain, Jens Holm representing Sweden and Sajjad Karim representing the UK. Others are hoping to attend
For more information on the lab animal directive revision visit http://www.eceae.org/english/labanimals.html
The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments is an alliance of 18 professional not for profit organisations across Europe seeking an end to animal testing. More information can be found at: www.eceae.org