MEPs’ debate on animal research ban worries scientists
by Robin McKie from on (#8QFD)
European parliament to discuss scrapping of all animal research in response to citizens' initiative petition signed by 1.2 million people
The European parliament will on Monday debate a call - backed by a petition signed by 1.2 million people - to scrap animal research in the EU. The proposal has alarmed scientists, who worked for six years to set up the 2010 European directive that controls animal experimentation and welfare in the EU.
Researchers fear that the petition, which was drawn up by the Italian-based Stop Vivisection European citizens' initiative, could sway many newly elected MEPs who would then press the European commission into scrapping the directive which, in the UK, is enshrined in an amendment to the 1986 Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
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