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Primate UseEnding primate experimentsOver 10,000 primates are used in experiments every year in the EU due to their genetic similarities to humans — but it is precisely these similarities that make their suffering and use so unjustifiable. Intelligent, sociable and with complex needs, primates are subjected to many distressing and intense experiments, such as undergoing invasive brain surgery. Yet although they are like us in their capacity to suffer fear and pain, the terrible irony is that other primates just aren't similar enough to be reliable models for human conditions. Combinations of cutting-edge scientific and progressive policy approaches will together be far more predictive, ultimately cheaper and of course much more humane than primate tests. In the 21st century, we have a responsibility to do better. Ending primate experimentation is entirely possible with sufficient political will and strong, strategic leadership. And this is a critical time. The current revision to Directive 86/609 which governs animal research across the EU is being revised. This presents a golden opportunity to end the use of primates in experiments — as a statement of principle. Already experiments on the great apes are expected to be ruled out within the revised Directive; the ECEAE believes that there is no morally consistent reason to stop there . Experiments on all non-human primates are morally unjustifiable, scientifically flawed, and deeply unpopular. Even simply keeping them in a laboratory for months or even years is a deeply inhumane act, so great are their intellectual, emotional and social needs. Meeting the challengeFor all that the moral case is compelling, the ECEAE realises that decision-makers are confronted with some arguments that suggest ending primate experiments is not possible at the present time. That is simply not the case. Many cutting-edge non-animal techniques have already replaced some primate use; others show much potential but lack support or investment. But many of the challenges that must be tackled are not technological but cultural, economic and even political. Like all animal experiments, the use of primates is deeply ingrained into the "way things are done". Crucially, ending primate experiments does not depend upon identifying off-the-shelf replacements for every single kind of procedure in which primates are currently used, as some suggest. A battery of different scientific and policy approaches will ultimately be more predictive, ultimately cheaper, and of course much more humane than primate tests. For years, the ECEAE and its member organisations have led campaigns against primate research. We have highlighted not only the shocking impacts of the experiments themselves but also the suffering caused by the international capture, trade and transport of primates to meet the high demand from researchers. Now, we believe that the tide is beginning to turn. In 2007 a clear majority of members of the European Parliament signed Written Declaration 40/2007 which called for a phase-out in primate experiments. And in 2006, in response to the Commission's public consultation on the future of Directive 86/609, 82% of those that responded stated that they did not believe that primate experiments were acceptable. Europe must outline a bold vision of a research arena in which primate research no longer takes place. Meeting this vision will clearly require effort as there is much resistance from some in the scientific community. But, as is being shown with cosmetics testing, when a line is drawn in the sand a significant increase in efforts to develop and embrace alternative approaches should ensue. ECEAE member the BUAV has produced the following report which addresses the arguments of industry and lays out a vision for a Europe without primate research. Primates within the revision of Directive 86/609Ending primate experiments is just one area amongst many within the ongoing revision of Directive 86/609, which presents the best opportunity for over 20 years to mark a real move away from animal experiments in Europe. Find out more about Directive 86/609 » Take actionFind out how you can help by visiting our Take Action section. |
