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Consultation on EU Commission's proposal for a new directive to strengthen the protection of animals used in scientific experiments
A public consultation on the European Commission's proposal for a new Directive to strengthen the regulation of the use of animals in scientific experiments has been launched today by the Home Office.
The Commission published its proposal to revise Directive 86/609/EEC, which currently regulates the use of animal experiments in the UK through the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, last November. The purpose of the revision is to harmonise the regulation of animal experiments across the European Union, to create a level playing field for both researchers and industry.
Home Office Minister, Shahid Malik, said:
"The UK already has one of the highest standards of animal protection in the world and we are determined to keep it that way.
"The Commission's proposal to revise Directive 86/609/EEC is already aligned with current UK law, but we welcome this opportunity to look again at how best to regulate the use of animals in scientific procedures and to ensure that their welfare is safeguarded effectively.
"That is why today we are launching an eight week public consultation seeking views to help shape and inform the UK's negotiating position."
The Government supports the Commission's aim to harmonise the regulation of animal experiments across the European Union. The Government believes it is essential for the UK and Europe to continue to set high standards for animal welfare, and to promote the development and use of alternatives to animal procedures. At the same time, it remains convinced that animal experimentation continues to be vital if the UK is to make improvements in healthcare, and to protect people and the environment from other hazards.
These considerations require that the Government strikes a balance in our approach to legislation in this area. Our key priority in negotiating the revised directive will be to develop practical, proportionate and enforceable legislation that makes proper provision for the welfare of experimental animals, facilitates their responsible use, and can adapt to further technical progress.
The Government will also work hard to ensure that the new directive does not undermine the success of UK and European research by developing and adopting inflexible measures which add disproportionate or unjustified regulatory burdens.
The consultation paper seeks views on the detailed and technical provisions of the draft directive with a view to informing the formal UK negotiating position.
Notes to Editors:
1. The consultation closes on 3 July 2009. The consultation paper can be found on the Home Office website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/current-consultations/
2. The UK has had legislation to regulate animal experiments since 1876. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 controlled 'painful experiments' on animals and was the first legislation of its kind in the world.
3. In the 1980's The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the adoption of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Procedures, was introduced closely followed by EEC Directive 86/609, all remain in force today.
4. In November 2008 the European Commission's published its proposal to replace Directive 86/609/EEC: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/proposal_en.htm
5. For further information please contact Eva Perkins on 0207 035 3535
