Retention of standards for animals in scientific research pleases vets
Both the British Veterinary Association and the Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association have welcomed the Government's response to the transposition of European Directive 2010/63/EC on the protection of animals used in scientific research.
BVA President Carl Padgett praised the decision, saying: "We welcome the Government's response and in particular the support of the traditional principles of the 3Rs - replace, reduce and refine - in the scientific use of animals."
Mr Padgett called the response reassuring, and said: "We take pride in the stringent measures that currently exist in the UK and are pleased that the Government intends to retain these high standards around the protection of dogs, cats, horses and non-human primates - as well as the retention of our high standards of care and accommodation."
He also stressed that it is critical that the veterinary presence is maintained at the level demanded under current UK law, and the role of the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) must not be diminished.
The Senior Vice President of LAVA, Dr Colin Gilbert, also praised the response: "The UK is a world leader in the care required for animals being used in scientific research. I commend the Home Office for initiating the consultation and for their careful appraisal of the responses submitted."
He added: "We will be studying these latest proposals in some detail and, together with the BVA, the Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association will be willing to assist in the transposition process."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
