‘It’s completely surprising that we proceed to topic defenceless puppies to unimaginable ache’ say celebrities, MPs and charities
Dame Joanna Lumley has signed the open letter to the Residence Secretary (Picture: Getty)
Labour MPs have joined Dame Joanna Lumley and Chris Packham to demand the Residence Secretary closes a significant animal breeding facility. MPs earlier this 12 months authorized a ban on disruptive protests exterior animal testing labs and different “life sciences infrastructure”, together with MBR Acres in Cambridgeshire. The open letter to Shabana Mahmood requires her to “step up and do the fitting factor” by shutting the ability the place beagles are bred for medical analysis.
The letter, backed by the Amandaland and Completely Fabulous star, added: “The UK is a nation of animal lovers; we’re house to the world’s oldest animal charity, the RSPCA, and practically 40% of our households rely a canine as a member of the family. Within the face of this, it’s completely surprising that we proceed to topic defenceless puppies to unimaginable ache within the animal testing trade. This betrayal is much more gut-wrenching as a result of it’s beagles who’re chosen – exactly as a result of they’re mild, pleasant, affectionate and trusting.”
“These traits make them beloved family members. Within the lab, they’re the right victims who will not put up a struggle.
“The usage of animals for testing has, largely, develop into out of date.
A minimum of a dozen Labour MPs are amongst these to have added their identify to the letter, alongside actress Amanda Holden and animal safety charities.
Labour backbenchers Richard Burgon Neil Duncan-Jordan Chris Hinchliff Rachael Maskell are amongst these to even have backed the letter.
Labour MPs Ruth Jones stated: “Beagles are variety and curious canine that wouldn’t damage a fly, and it’s because of this they’re used for animal testing.
“Britain prides itself on how we deal with animals, and particularly canine, however the situations uncovered inside MBR Acres usually are not match for any animal in any respect. I’m hopeful that step one on Labour’s dedication to phasing out animal testing is to close down MBR Acres and rehome all the attractive beagle puppies with loving households.”
A authorities spokesman stated: “The UK has a few of the world’s hardest guidelines to make sure animal testing occurs solely when it’s genuinely wanted and at all times underneath strict, licensed situations.
“Moreover, our Options Technique, backed by £75 million in funding and developed in collaboration with animal welfare organisations, will part out animal testing and use protected, confirmed options as a substitute.”
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