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12 MILLION REASONSEuropean Commission's proposals to revise Directive 86/609/EECLatest news: 11/05/10 Update on the revision of the EU directive on animal experimentsThe revision of a 23 year-old Directive 12 million animals are used in experiments in European laboratories every year. Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used in experiments is currently being revised. Since its adoption 23 years ago, the Directive has not been updated, despite the fast development of non-animal alternative methods, the increased understanding of the capacity of animals to feel pain, and a more enlightened public attitude to the issue. The Revision Process: Key Steps In November 2008, the European Commission published its proposals, and in May 2009, the Parliament adopted its First Reading position. The Commission's proposals, although far from being perfect, had some positive aspects. The ECEAE put forward many positive proposals, and the Parliament did vote in favour of some provisions that would impact positively on animals. For example, a requirement for animals in laboratories to be looked after by staff at all times; the extension of the remit of ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) to include the co-ordination and promotion of the development and use of alternatives in all areas of research; a classification of the severity of procedures, including an upper limit of suffering (unspecified at that point); stricter provisions on data-sharing and duplication of animal experiments; more funding for training and, research into non-animal methods. However, despite this, the majority of amendments voted in favor have undermined the proposals originally put forward by the Commission's move to make important long over-due improvements to animal welfare. This has come as a major disappointment to the citizens of Europe and is clearly contrary to public opinion. A provisional report agreed on the 7th December, was finalised in April 2010 and published on the 11th May. The text was agreed after a series of meetings with European Parliament and European Commission representatives. The Council adopted its first reading position in June 2010. This marks the start of a second reading for the European Parliament and the possibility for MEPs to make final improvements to the future legislation. What can be done at this stage?The ECEAE is continuing to press for improvements in the draft legislation and to highlight the misleading statements from politicians. There is a huge gap between the impression given by the Council of Ministers and the reality for the millions of animals who will continue to suffer and die in European laboratories. For example, claims by the Council that the revised rules will restrict the use of non-human primates in research or that only the offspring of primates bred in captivity or sourced from self-sustaining colonies can be used are not correct. The ECEAE urges all MEPs to make an informed decision that will reflect public opinion and improve the situation for the millions of animals used in EU laboratories every year. Further information
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