MP backs PETA call urging Government to end animal testing

The Conservative joined more than 30 other Members of Parliament at a reception hosted by PETA at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday to show support for and to pressure the government to develop a plan to phase out animal experimentation.

The reception, titled A Roadmap for Non-Animal Science in the UK’, showcased PETA’s Research Modernisation Deal - a report created by PETA scientists that provides policymakers with a detailed strategy for ending experiments on animals and accelerating the uptake and further development of non-animal methods.

The event was sponsored by Bob Blackman CBE MP and attended by more than 30 other MPs as well as Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order: UK star and long-time PETA supporter Jamie Bamber.

Mr Wood said: “As a country that prides itself on compassion and respect for animals, we must now confront the reality of animal experiments in the UK.

“Just as we’ve raised standards with legislation like the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act and the Ivory Act, it’s time to do the same for animals in laboratories.

“We need a clear, responsible plan to phase out animal experiments, and we owe it to future generations to make this a priority.”

The government has said it is committed to working with scientists, industry and civil society towards phasing out animal testing, but PETA has urged everyone to keep the promise by demanding a government-led roadmap for ending all experiments on animals.

PETA science policy advisor Dr Kimberley Jayne said: “Every year, millions of mice, rats, fish, dogs, monkeys, rabbits, and other animals are caged, subjected to physical and psychological torment, and killed in unreliable experiments that do little to advance human health.

“PETA is calling on the government to commit to ending all experiments on animals. It must stop wasting money and lives on archaic animal experimentation and switch to modern research methods that actually help people.”