Scientific Procedures On Animals

EDM number 2183 in 2007-08, proposed by Martin Horwood on 07/10/2008.
Categorised under the topic of Animal experiments.

That this House is concerned that for the sixth successive year the number of scientific procedures on animals has steadily increased, reaching over 3.2 million in 2007, the highest level since 1991; notes that the use of animals in scientific procedures continues to outstrip the development of animal alternatives, in spite of the valuable work of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), and other organisations involved in the development and promotion of animal alternatives, replacing the need for animal testing and offering hope of humane scientific research; further notes that in 2009 it will be 50 years since the 3Rs approach (replacement, refinement and reduction) was first advocated, yet considers that progress towards implementing the 3Rs has been desperately slow; urges the Government to introduce measures to deal with barriers to implementing animal alternatives, halt increases in the numbers of animals used, and encourage more widespread implementation of animal alternatives across all sectors involved in research; further considers that environmental taxes introduced by the Government over the past few years have had a positive impact in modifying behaviour and reducing emissions, while raising revenue for projects that offset environmental problems; and suggests that in the same way a charge could be introduced for every animal involved in experiments that cause animals pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, the revenue of which to be used to further fund the development and promotion of animal alternatives.

This motion has been signed by a total of 61 MPs.