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A vision for Europe

Posted: 20 January 2009

Using the proposed new directive to replace Directive 86/609 on animal experiments to protect animals and advance European Science.

A new briefing from ADI, NAVS, and LDF has been distributed to MEPs in Brussels this week and will shortly be available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

The document outlines proposals which we believe would save many animals from unnecessary suffering, whilst at the same time, would bring Europe to the forefront of science through the increased use of modern non-animal research techniques.
Key areas where action is called for during the revision process are:

• Primates
• Regular Reviews of the use of animals in research – bi-annual
• Transparency and stricter rules on project authorisation, incorporating consideration of non-animal replacements before animals are used
• Replacements and Centres of Excellence in Advanced Technology
• Harmonisation and raising standards of science and good laboratory practice
• Review process to be independent
• Duplication/Data Sharing
• Elimination of key areas of research: Animals in Higher Education/household/forensic/preservation of species

Some of the positive aspects of the proposed Directive are also discussed:
On the issue of primates, it is noted that as it stands, the provisions in the new Directive fail to fully address the policy objectives of Written Declaration 40/2007. The following measures would deliver these objectives:

• Ban on the use of great apes (without exceptions).
• Ban on the use of wild caught monkeys (without exceptions).
• Full implementation of F1 ban (offspring of wild-caught parents); although we would favour earlier than the 7 years suggested in the draft.
• Arrangements to replace the use of primates to be established during bi-annual, thematic reviews setting timetables or objectives for replacement in specific areas.

Read the report PDF – English
French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish – will be available shortly.

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