ANTI-VIVISECTIONISTS TAKE CAMPAIGN TO DOWNING STREET

Anti-vivisectionists who have campaigned against Britain's beagle farms are taking their protest to Downing Street this Saturday, in a march calling for the abolition of animal research.

In recent months animal testing has hit the headlines and sparked national debate on the subject, including in parliament with the proposition of the Safer Medicines Bill – backed by scientists and animal-advocates alike. [1]

News that East Yorkshire-based B&K Universal have appealed the refusal of plans to construct the UK's largest beagle farm, holding 2,000 dogs for research, have intensified public opposition to vivisection. [2]

A recent poll by the Guardian reiterated the public's stance, with an overwhelming 66% of voters stating that they did not approve of animal testing for medical or scientific purposes. [3]

Animal research once again hit the media as a result of EU reform. Claims have been made that dogs and cats may be “clubbed to death under EU lab 'welfare' plans.” [4]

Now, campaigners say, it is down the coalition government to follow pledges of a reduction in animal research and abolish the practice.

Luke Steele, Chairman of NAVA, comments:

“Animal experiments are on the rise in Britain and more facilities are planned, yet there is little public or scientific support for continued backing of research using animals.”

“Enough is enough and it's time this archaic practice was resigned to the dustbins of history as a matter of public decency and interest.”

“We call on the British government to act in favour of medical progress and their pledges by abolishing the use of animals in our nation's laboratories.”

Campaigners will gather in Temple Place, Westminster (WC2R 2PR) from 1pm before marching to Downing Street – there they will deliver a letter to PM David Cameron calling for the abolition of vivisection.

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Notes for editors:

Sources:

[1] Safer Medicines Bill :-
 http://www.safermedicines.org/safetyofmedicines/bill.shtml

[2] 14-07-11 – The Guardian - “Do you approve of animal testing?”  http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/poll/2011/jul/14/animal-testing-research

[3] 04-09-11 – The Independent on Sunday - “Beagle 'factory' plan to test coalition's pledge on animals” :-  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/beagle-factory-plan-to-test-coalitions-pledge-on-animals- 2348916.html

[4] 03-09-11 – The Daily Mail - “Laboratory puppies and kittens may be clubbed to death instead of being 'put to sleep' under new EU law” :-  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2033229/Pups-kittens-clubbed-death-EU-lab-welfare-plans.html