UK scientists issue statement in support of animal research
More than 500 scientists and doctors in the UK have pledged their support for animal testing in medical research. The declaration comes one day after a UK farm that breeds guinea pigs for medical research announced that it is to stop its breeding programme due to intimidation by animal rights activists. Signatories to the declaration, drawn up by the Research Defence Society (RDS), include three Nobel laureates, 190 Fellows of the Royal Society and the Medical Research College, as well as 250 university professors. The statement reads: 'Throughout the world people enjoy a better quality of life because of advances made possible through medical research, and the development of new medicines and other treatments. A small but vital part of that work involves the use of animals.' The declaration is dated 24 August - 15 years to the day after a similar declaration was launched by the British Association. The 1990 statement gathered over 1,000 signatures in 12 months. Dr Simon Festing of the RDS is pleased that the 2005 declaration has gathered over 500 signatures in less than a month. 'It shows the strength and depth of support for humane animal research in this country,' he said. 'Abolitionist groups often claim that their position has scientific or medical support, but it's no surprise that they cannot back this up,' he added. The declaration reaffirms positive statements about the need for animal research made by the Royal Society in 2004 and the House of Lords select committee in 2002. The signatories agree that researchers should gain the medical and scientific benefits of animal research with minimal suffering and distress, and should make every effort to safeguard animal welfare. Wherever possible, animals must be replaced by non-animal methods and the numbers of animals used in research reduced,' the statement adds. Animal welfare groups are however disappointed. 'We are concerned that in 15 years, doctors and scientists still appear committed to the unethical and potentially dangerous use of animals for medical research,' the BBC reports Adolfo Sansolini, chief executive of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), as saying. The Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also aired its disappointment to the BBC: 'The RDS declaration does not acknowledge the pain, suffering and distress that animal experiments cause, nor does it require any positive actions by the researchers who signed it,' said Brian McGavin. In addition to stating their commitment to replacing animals where possible in research, the signatories also give their support to increasing openness and transparency with the aim of fostering rational discussion. The scientific community has experienced 'a mood of increased openness amongst researchers over the last years,' according to Dr Festing. 'We are building on that and the declaration will help,' he said.
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