ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 23, Number 3

A new reductionism for animal research.

ATLA 23, 318-331, May/June 1995

Chris Fisher

Ideal Campaigns, 66 Higham Road, London N17 6NQ, UK

SUMMARY

This article examines the decline in animal experimentation observed in the last 25 years. It considers possible reasons for this and its significance. However, it also asks whether more could have been achieved, and considers what needs to be done to ensure that the current rate of decline is continued and increased -- not just in the UK, but also in Europe and beyond. It is concluded that future reductions in animal experimentation need to be a matter of policy, rather than the product of circumstance. Furthermore, it is concluded that policy objectives alone will be insufficient unless supported by a clear strategy and adequate resources for effective implementation.

Keywords: alternatives, animal experiments, Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, cosmetics, Directive 86/609/EEC, LD50, primates, reduction, transgenic animals