Animal Free Research UK voice disappointment in lack of ambition of Government to phase out animal testing

In response to the petition debate in Westminster Hall on the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures on Monday , The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Feryal Clark MP, stated that the Government will not ban the use of dogs in medical research.  

Despite the Labour Party’s clear manifesto pledge to “partner with scientists, industry and civil society as we work towards phasing out animal testing” the Minister was unable to commit to a deadline or a concrete plan of when and how the use of animals in medical research would indeed end. The Minister did state that the Government would “publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods”.

Chief Executive Officer of Animal Free Research UK, Carla Owen said: 

“It is bitterly disappointing that the Government is currently demonstrating a lack of ambition when it comes to phasing out animal testing in medical research over the next decade. This week’s debate has shown that there is strong support across all parties to end dog experiments, and many UK citizens expect action.

“It is welcome that the Government announced that they will be publishing an alternatives strategy later this year, however, we need concrete action now to support UK scientists with the transition to human-specific techniques.

“The introduction of Herbie’s Law would assist UK scientists to make the transition to animal-free methods and help create a world where animals and humans lead healthy, happy lives, free from suffering.”