MEP Joins the 65,000 Cyber Marchers
A press release by Plaid MEP Jill Evans
Make Animal Testing History
More than sixty five thousand people have joined a 'cyber march' calling for an EU ban on unnecessary experiments on animals.
Organisers of the protest met Plaid MEP Jill Evans in Brussels to discuss a new and stronger European law. More than twelve million animals are used for experiments every year across the European Union and the UK is one of the biggest users of animals for testing. The aim of the campaign is to replaced animal tests with effective alternatives.
Jill Evans was author of an influential report in the European Parliament in 2002 which looked at how the law could be strengthened to ensure strict conditions on the use of animals, ensuring there were alternative methods of testing and providing incentives to develop such alternatives. The Plaid MEP is now involved in the negotiations on a new law.
Jill Evans said:
"Seven years on from my original report animals, millions of animals are still suffering because of unnecessary scientific experiments. This cyber march, which is supported by more than 65,000 people and rising, shows the tremendous strength of feeling on this issue.
"For me, the priorities are using animals only when there is no other alternative and reducing their use as technology develops; phasing out experiments on primates and an immediate ban on the use of monkeys caught in the wild; and ensuring there is strict supervision of testing. There should be centres to actively support and promote the development of alternative methods.
"Our long term goal must be to replace experiments on animals. It has taken several years to get this new law discussed. I know from my constituents in Wales that they are following developments and demanding that Europe moves ahead in terms of animal welfare. That is why so many have written to me and joined the cyber march. We cannot do less."
