Last week I was one of a group of MPs that handed in a petition of 1.5m signatures to the Prime Minister. The petition was to seek to reduce the number of animals used in animal experimentation. As such it was part of the 'Uncaged' campaign which has been running for some years.
The government has in theory a good story to tell. It set up an approach based on the 3 Rs - refinement, reduction and replacement.
Refinement refers to making sure that animal experimentation or vivisection as it is known is only used where absolutely necessary. Reduction obviously means that there is an obligation to use these techniques less. Replacement requires the search for alternatives.
Sadly what looks good on paper is not as promising in practice as numbers of animals employed have continued to rise. From my perspective this is wrong, immoral and counterproductive.
Admittedly we are now in the era of xeno-types being used. These are animals that have been specifically raised for use in laboratories. To me this makes no difference - we have to do much more to find answers to the needs of those that suffer from the diseases and conditions that afflict their lives. It is just that in my opinion vivisection is not the way to go about achieving this.
A measure of a civilised society is how well we treat animals. We cannot therefore escape our obligations in this regard. People have got to choose over this matter - they should demand alternatives.
It is as wrong to misuse or abuse animals. Concern over this will grow over this as will other major animal welfare issues which also worry the public.
I include amongst these the mad and bad idea that the current ban on hunting will be rescinded - a key policy plank for the Official Opposition.
I believe that we are now in a period of strong advocacy for the rights and welfare of animals. I welcome this and will support it in whatever way I can.
