UK Researchers Issue Animal Research Transparency Declaration

Responding to a significant drop in support for the use of animals in research
in the UK, the country's leading research universities, medical charities and drugs
companies on today launched a new transparency initiative aimed at winning over
members of the public to the need for animal research.

A total of 15 universities, four pharmaceutical firms, and groups such as
Cancer Research UK, Parkinson's UK and the Motor Neurone Disease
Association issued a declaration on openness in the use of animals in medical research (PDF).

Where possible, we use cells grown in a lab, computer models and human
volunteers. When this isn't possible, research may involve animals, the
declaration reads. When we need to use animals, we strive to reduce the
number needed, and seek to develop viable alternatives.

Confidence in our research rests on the scientific community embracing an
open approach and taking part in an ongoing conversation about why and how
animals are used in research and the benefits of this.

The signatories welcome public scrutiny of their work in the building of
an ethical framework that they say now delivers high welfare standards and
only uses animals when there is no other option. The UK was the first
country in the world to implement laws protecting animals the 1822 Act
to Prevent the Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle.