Why are we calling for Primate-Free Progress?
Great apes - orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees - have not been used in experiments in the EU for some years and their use is banned in the UK. However many other primates, such as macaque and squirrel monkeys, baboons and marmosets continue to be incarcerated and suffer greatly in laboratories.
The European Parliament is reviewing the law governing the use of animals in experiments throughout the European Union. The existing Directive 86/609 is over twenty years old and does not reflect scientific progress and our advancing knowledge of animals and how they feel, think and suffer.
Advocates for Animals wants to ensure that this new Directive creates a pathway towards the replacement of all animals currently used in experiments with humane, non-animal alternatives.
We are calling for primate free progress because there is a real chance that together with you and other animal protection groups we can persuade European decision-makers of the pressing need to eradicate the use of primates in scientific research.
The public wants an end to primates experiments
A Written Declaration adopted by the European Parliament in 2007 acknowledged that almost all primate species share more than 90% of their DNA with humans and that they can suffer greatly in captivity.
The Declaration also noted that more than 80% of respondents to the 2006 Commission’s public consultation on animals in experiments found the use of primates in experiments unacceptable.
The draft Directive proposes a ban on the use of great apes and wild-caught monkeys which is excellent; however there are exemptions which we would like to see removed to ensure this is a complete ban. We are also echoing the will of the European Parliament that the new Directive must include a timetable (or equivalent regular review mechanism) to replace the use of all primates in experiments. While great apes have not been used for research in the EU for some years, there are still around 10,000 macaques, marmosets, tamarins, squirrel monkeys and other small primates used in experiments.
Alternatives to animal experimentation
There is much evidence now to show that primate-based research over decades has not delivered the medical progress that humans need.
That’s why we believe it is essential that the new Directive provides a targeted timetable towards replacing all primates - without exceptions - and investing in alternatives.
That really would be Primate-Free Progress.
What can I do to help?
Please help us to lobby MEPs click here to send a pre-drafted e-postcard now to your MEPs or you can request our campaign postcards to distribute in your area by phone on 0131 225 6039 or by email here. Thank you for supporting primate free progress.