Internationally acclaimed singer Bonnie Tyler has joined with the BUAV in its campaign to make it mandatory for dogs, cats and other animals to be found homes, where possible, after their use in laboratories.
Every year hundreds of cats and thousands of dogs suffer and die in experiments in the UK. Many animals may be used but not killed as part of the experiment, and others are bred for research but not used. All of whom could feasibly be found homes.
“It is hard to comprehend that there are many dogs, cats and other animals who will only ever know life in a laboratory and never get the chance of a loving home and I believe it is important to speak out for them,” said Bonnie. “This is why I support the BUAV in its mission to change UK law and make it mandatory for animals in laboratories to be found homes, where possible.”
The BUAV is calling for Home Office Minister, Norman Baker, to make the release of such cats, dogs and other animals a mandatory requirement for laboratories. The organisation argues that laboratories should be required to work with reputable animal shelters and organisations to find homes for these animals rather than simply kill them.
Other high profile people to join the campaign are Ricky Gervais, John Nettles, Sue Johnston, Pam Ayres, Carley Stenson and Ayden Callaghan.
A BUAV investigation in 2013, at a UK laboratory, revealed that beagle puppies and adult dogs were killed because it was easier than finding them homes. This is despite the EU Directive on animal experiments that states ‘…..animals such as dogs and cats should be allowed to be rehomed in families as there is a high level of public concern as to the fate of such animals’. The BUAV was able to home three such beagles due to be killed and is publicising their stories to illustrate why animals no longer required by the research industry deserve to be given their freedom and found loving homes.
CEO of the BUAV, Michelle Thew, said: “We are very grateful to Bonnie Tyler for being such a hero for the animals by supporting the BUAV campaign and speaking out for those who are not given the chance to experience free and happy lives. We know that the public are behind us on this call for homing to become a mandatory requirement and we urge the Home Office Minister to respond to our request.”
