MEPs debating new rules to replace key legislation that governs the laws on animal testing across the whole of Europe have been alarmed by industry claims that high animal welfare standards pushes scientific research abroad.
The story being spread is that research moves to countries where animal welfare standards are lower, damaging the competitiveness of European science and industry. Research by Animal Defenders International shows that these claims are unfounded and misleading.
Taking the UK pharmaceutical industry as an example, competitiveness has improved during the past 20 years, since the introduction of tighter regulation of use of animals and scientific research in 1986.
In 2007 the industry was ranked first in trade surplus, making it the most competitive industry in the UK. So, high welfare standards in the UK appears to correlate with a huge growth in the science, technology and pharmaceutical industries.
Claims that the EU will lose out to foreign countries are just scaremongering by those with vested interests, who are resisting all change and control. This new legislation should be seen as an opportunity to look to the future and not be confined by outdated and outmoded procedures.
JAN CREAMER
Chief executive, NAVS/ADI Millbank Tower, Millbank
London, SW1P 4QP 020 7630 3340
