RECENTLY released Home Office figures for 2011 show yet another increase in animals used in experiments to almost 3.8 million.
Other readers may be surprised, as I was, to learn that only 13 per cent of these have any medical application, although that still accounts for around 490,000 animals.
The majority are used for basic biological research, much of it curiosity-driven, or are bred with harmful mutations or genetic modifications.
There was also an increase in skin and eye irritancy tests and acute lethal tests despite the availability of valid alternatives.
The Coalition Government made two promises in its Programme for Government.
One was to stop testing of household products on animals and the other to reduce the number of animals used in experiments.
They have made no move on either of these promises.
May I ask that concerned readers contact our MP Harriett Baldwin requesting that she support the call for the Government to honour its promises and take action over this increase in animal experiments?
Thank you.
ROBERTA BALFOUR, Malvern.
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