As reported by animal research organizations in Europe, The European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions has responded to an animal rights petition seeking a “Europe-wide moratorium on the use of animals in scientific research.” The European Commission’s response unambiguously underscores the importance of animal models in scientific research.

Paragraph two states, “Contrary to the petitioners’ assertion that animal research is of limited value, it is a fact that animal studies have contributed significantly to improved health and quality of life as well as to longer life expectancy. Effective treatments exist today for many infectious diseases, some forms of cancer, and several chronic diseases such as diabetes. These advancements would have been impossible without the insights gained through animal studies. Such studies are also required by Union legislation to authorize human clinical trials, and to protect health and the environment.”

NABR President Matthew Bailey said, “Animal research has never been more important than it is today, and it is nice to see government bodies acknowledging this fact.”

The full response can be read here:https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/PETI-CM-653736_EN.pdf.

Posted on June 15, 2020