ALLEA supports the “Statement supporting European Directive 2010/63/EU” on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

ALLEA supports the “Statement supporting European Directive 2010/63/EU” on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes” prepared by the Wellcome Trust, the international charitable foundation dedicated to funding biomedical research and supporting the medical humanities. The European Directive was drafted in 2010 and regulates the use of animals when performing research.

The statement, which was released on 3 March 2015, urges the European Parliament and Commission to refuse the “Stop Vivisection” Citizens’ Initiative. The initiative is campaigning against this directive and seeks to ban all animal research.

The Wellcome Trust statement supports animal research “where alternative methods are not available, where the potential benefits to health are compelling, and where acceptable ethical and welfare standards can be met. The Directive has enhanced animal welfare standards and introduced the concepts of refinement, replacement and reduction across the EU, while ensuring Europe remains a world leader in biomedical research.”

Animal research led to major breakthroughs in medicine which have improved the health of both humans and animals. However, it is still important to not only understand the health and diseases of humans and animals, but also to further develop and improve their treatment for people all over the world. Therefore, animals must continue to play a vital role in this research where no viable alternatives are available.

Along with over 60 other signatories including Member Academies as well as EASAC, ALLEA supports the Wellcome Trust statement.

The statement can be accessed here.