May 21, 2004

scientists react to Lord Sainsbury’s announcement on animal research

Responses to the UK Government’s proposal to establish a national centre to promote best practice and the use of the ‘3Rs’ in animal experimentation.

Dr Simon Festing of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

“We who defend passionately the use of animals for medical benefits must now demonstrate our commitment to improving their welfare and finding replacements wherever possible. From fish to mouse to marmoset, laboratory animals can rightly look forward to some extra effort on their behalf.”

Steve Jones, Professor of Genetics at UCL, said:

“Championing the 3Rs is like giving away the ace of spades before you start playing poker. It’s selling out to the anti-science brigade by conceding that there is something intrinsically wrong with research on animals. Of course none of us enjoys inflicting harm on animals but this kind of research is going to be crucial to medical science for the foreseeable future and we should bite the bullet rather than dishonestly claiming that we can replace animals.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA, said:

“The RSPCA believes it is essential that a national centre for the 3Rs is independent of any one stakeholder group, and that there is full and fair representation of animal welfare organisations in its governance and decision-making. The primary focus of the national centre has to be on replacement of animals in research and testing, and it must have sufficient funding, resources and power to make a significant difference to animal welfare.”

Dr Mark Matfield, Executive Director of the Research Defence Society, said:

“This is a very important development which will help focus scientific expertise on laboratory animal welfare. Scientists have made a number of important advances in reduction, replacement and refinement but we all believe that, out there in the scientific community, there is the potential for further developments. However, these need to be identified, encouraged and supported. That is exactly what this new National Centre can do.”

Vicky Cowell, Director, Seriously Ill for Medical Research, said:

“Lord Sainsbury’s announcement about the new National Centre is good news indeed – for animal welfare and for patients waiting for new treatments and therapies. British scientific research is moving forward in leaps and bounds and deserves all the support and backing it can get.”

Nancy Rothwell, Professor of neuroscience at Manchester University, said:

“This is a very important development which the government has initiated in response to the report from the House of Lords committee. I am sure that it will be welcomed by the scientific community.”

Aisling Burnand, Chief Executive of the Bio-Industry Association, said:

“Alternatives are used whenever they can provide clear information about the safety of compounds or medicines. However, medical research using animals is essential if new medicines are to be safe. The regulations governing animal research in the UK are widely regarded as the strictest in the world and ensure that all research is conducted as humanely as possible.”

Philip Connolly, Director of the Coalition for Medical Progress, which represents the views of the biomedical research community, said:

“Any initiatives to look at ways to improve the care of animals in biomedical research, and to reduce the numbers used by developing alternatives, are welcome. While British people can accept the use of animals to find new treatments, they want to be sure alternatives are being taken seriously.”