We welcome the response of the European Commission to the European Citizens’ Initiative Stop Vivisection petition reiterating its support for the European Directive 2010/63 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Any roll back from the Directive would have jeopardised the European Research Area and Europe’s leading role in important biomedical research that benefits both human and animal health.
Kirk Leech, Executive Director of the European Animal Research Association (EARA) said ‘We recognise the importance that this topic has for citizens as was conveyed during the public hearing of the Stop Vivisection in the European Parliament. We share the petitioners’ concerns for greater transparency and openness and will work to proactively engage with European Citizens on why and how animals are used in scientific research.’
In the months prior to the Commission report, EARA joined with over 160 European research organisations in signing a statement in support for the Directive and its crucial role safeguarding high animal welfare while ensuring that important scientific research can continue within the European Union.
The response of the European Commission can be found here.