Primate-Free Progress - frequently asked questions

What is happening in Europe?

The European Commission issued a Proposal for a revised Directive last November. Under the European Parliamentary process, the Directive is considered by several Committees before it goes to the full Parliament for a vote in Plenary. MEPs on the Committees will vote on amendments which can either strengthen or weaken the Commission’s proposal.

While the process is complex, our message is simple: we want to see the ending of all animal experiments as soon as possible.

What exactly are we seeking?

The mechanism for ending animal experiments must be the development, validation, promotion and application of humane alternatives.

The legislation must also provide for regular thematic reviews of progress, for example in the use of particular species or certain types of experiments, or the implementation of replacements. Review is essential to keep the focus on the replacement of animals as soon as possible.

Advanced technology and techniques now provide alternative methods that are proving to be more efficient and reliable than primate experiments, such as:

• functional magnetic resonance imaging
• microdosing
• computer modelling
• tissue and cell culture.

We want the EU and Member States to make a real investment in replacement, by establishing Centres of Excellence where these essential technologies can be further developed and shared.

We want to see procedures that cause severe suffering prohibited outright; and we want any useful scientific data gathered from research to be shared: there is no ethical justification for the duplication of procedures that leads to more animals suffering needlessly.

For what purposes are animals used in experiments?

Experiments are conducted for testing of pharmaceuticals, food additives and environmental chemicals, to try out new surgical techniques, to mimic human disease, to enhance people's lifestyles or merely for curiosity.

What types of animals are used?

Animals used in experiments include primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds.

Do animals suffer?

Yes. Animals are sentient beings that suffer pain and distress. While it isillegal to cause pain and suffering to animals kept as pets, it is perfectly legal for a scientist under license to inflict pain and suffering on animals in a laboratory.

Animals are legally cut, burned, electrocuted, blinded, starved, suffocated, gassed, shot, poisoned, bled, drowned, brain damaged and psychologically stressed in the name of science. Many of these animals are not given any anaesthetic or pain relief.

Are animal experiments 'good science'?

No. Species differ in structure, function and physiology so animal experiments only serve to delay real medical or other scientific progress and, in some cases, have been shown to be downright dangerous.

Is there a better way?

Yes. Many animal experiments have already been replaced with more advanced humane alternatives. With constantly increasing public concern regarding animal experimentation and a poloitical desire to reduce its level, the future of testing and medical research lies in the development of humane alternatives to replace the use of animals in experiments.