EFPIA Statement On Animal Rights Extremism (ARE)

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 05 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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A clear distinction should be made between ARE and the peaceful, legal activities conducted by the majority of animal rights organisations. Animal rights extremists want animal research to stop whether or not alternative research possibilities exist, and seek to force change through unlawful actions.

Besides acts of vandalism such as graffiti and damage or destruction of property, their action can include mass intrusions, abusive phone calls, theft, demonstrations at home addresses, cyber attacks, defamation, physical assault (although this is very rare), as well as allegations of product tampering.

The increase and the trans-border character of ARE should not be underestimated. EFPIA and its member companies share the general conclusions that there is a need for more coordination, collaboration and well-designed communication about this issue and are ready to support the competent authorities at EU and national levels to reduce the threat posed by a few criminal extremists.

Animal studies are a small but essential part of biomedical research, which results in modern vaccines, treatments and cures for patients, both human and animal. Together with other key stakeholders, the pharmaceutical industry is committed to implementing the '3Rs' principle (refine, reduce and replace animal testing) by increasingly using in vitro, computer and imaging technologies, for example.

More information: http://www.animalresearchforlife.eu and http://www.efpia.eu

Today, the EU provides the best standards of protection for laboratory animals in the world through Directive 86/609. This legislation is currently under review to reflect scientific and technological advances that have taken place since its adoption 20 years ago.

About EFPIA

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 32 national associations and 43 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA is the voice on the EU scene of 2,200 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world.

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