Latest: EU directive threatens UK animal welfare standards

The UK’s welfare standards for laboratory animals are under threat from a new EU directive, which could result in reduced inspections of laboratories, some animals suffering ‘severe’ pain and distress, and inhumane methods of killing. An online tool launched by the RSPCA today can help concerned members of the public stop this happening. The UK public only has until the 5th September 2011 to have their say.

Visit www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk and tell the government not to take a step back for lab animals.

The directive would see uniform regulations enforced across Europe, improving standards in some member countries. However, the UK standards are already much higher than those proposed. Despite the directive potentially causing a big step backwards for animal welfare in the UK, the RSPCA is concerned that the government will comply simply to save on paperwork and reduce regulation. Dr Maggy Jennings, head of the RSPCA’s research animals department, said: “We urge the Government to respect public concern on this issue and, at the very least, maintain the level of regulation that we currently have. If they don’t, animal welfare, public confidence and ultimately UK science will suffer”.

WHO WE ARE

Why does 'Uproar' exist? We are a small group of people dedicated to breaking down one basic assumption that human beings seem to hold which we do not agree with. Human beings have no evidence on which to base this opinion and yet our whole way of living is modelled around it.

The assumption is that human beings are superior to animals. This kind of prejudice is not based in fact and there is no proof to back it up just as there has never been any proof that men are superior to women or white people superior to black people.

Why then do so many people believe it? Because they believe it is in their interest to do so. In fact abusing animals hinders our progress and thwarts our interests rather than furthering them. But government, big business, and the farming lobby amongst others want to keep us in the dark, with the support and backing of the media.

How do the media reinforce such ignorance? They simply equate those who believe in the rights of animals with terrorists, using such an emotive term to whip up sentiment against the animal rights movement. If a terrorist is taken to be someone who instils fear in others then animal abusers would fit this definition nicely and vivisectionists would have star billing.

We are based in Plymouth, Devon, and regularly organise demos against those who seek to exploit and abuse animals. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved.