South West MEP urges steps to rid Europe of animal testing

South West Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson is pushing for more cash to fund alternatives into animal testing.

Graham voted for new rules on animal experimentation and urged the uptake of strict standards to ‘replace, reduce and refine’ animal testing – known as the Three Rs principle.

Graham 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.”

Agreement on the revised Directive on the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes is expected next month.