"Europe must find alternatives to animal testing"- South West MEP

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Nov 2009

South West MEP Graham Watson has called on the European Commission to increase funding for scientists looking into alternatives to animal research and testing.

Having voted in favour of new rules regarding animal experimentation, Watson urged member states to back strict standards based on the "Three R's" principle- replace, reduce and refine.

He said;

"The sad reality of the situation is that animal experimentation will continue in the short term in order to advance biomedical research and develop new treatments."

"But the EU can take realistic steps now to ensure that we reduce and finally rid Europe of animal testing in the future."

"I will continue to back EU action to this affect."

Agreement on the revised Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes is expected next month, and will be reported on Graham Watson's website and Facebook.

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Full text of the Written Declaration on the promotion of alternatives to animal research and testing;

The European Parliament,

• having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas EU citizens are increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals,

B. whereas the European Commission's Working Document on a Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals (2006-2010) states that a 'final aim is to replace animal experiments with methods not entailing the use of an animal',

C. whereas through ECVAM (the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) the Commission provides funding and services to promote the development and validation of alternatives to animal methods, but whereas output could be improved by increased funding, better coordination and acceleration of administrative procedures,

D. whereas the development and use of alternative methods entails the application of technological and scientific capabilities, contributing to Lisbon Strategy goals,

1. Calls upon the Commission to increase funding for the replacement of animal research and testing and to extend the responsibilities of ECVAM in order to promote the development and use of alternatives to animal procedures in applied and basic research as well as regulatory testing;

2. Requests that the Commission assess options for increasing the funds available for this work, including the introduction of a 'research levy' of 1% of the selling price of products that contain ingredients tested on animals;

3. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.