BUAV welcomes political parties’ overwhelming support to take action on animal experiments

The BUAV, a leading animal protection organization, is calling on the new Parliament to ensure that its policies reflect the views of political party members on animal testing issues. An overwhelming 98% of election candidates who responded to a survey by the BUAV agreed or strongly agreed that more should be done to reverse the increasing trend of animals used in experiments. According to the most recent figures available, 3.5 million animals were used in experiments in the UK in 2008, an increase of 14% on the previous year.

Other survey results included:

95% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that the UK should lead in supporting and developing non-animal research, including financial incentives such as tax breaks and match-funding.

98% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that it is not justifiable to use animals to test household products such as detergents or floor cleaners.
 
91% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that the Government should fully implement the Freedom of Information Act with regard to animal experimentation.

87% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that it is not justifiable to cause substantial suffering to any animal in the laboratory.

81% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that experiments on cats and dogs should be ended.

80% of those who responded agreed or strongly agreed that experiments on non-human primates should be ended.

In the run up to the General Election, the BUAV sent a questionnaire to all prospective parliamentary candidates from the main parties to gauge their views on a wide range of animal research topics. Almost 500 candidates responded with a large majority supporting action on key issues.

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of the BUAV, said: “These results show a strong and, in many cases, overwhelming response from candidates on key areas of animal testing. The BUAV is calling on the new Parliament to ensure that its policies reflect the opinions expressed by candidates. We also look forward to working with the new Government to secure positive change for animals in laboratories.”

For more information please contact Sarah Kite sarah.kite@buav.org Tel +44 (0) 207 700 4888; after hours, 07850 510 955. www.buav.org