Ricky Gervais and Brian May have helped the BUAV stop a controversial breeding facility in Britain that would have seen beagles raised for the purposes of medical experiments.
The stars spoke out against the facility, with Ricky saying ""I am disgusted to learn of these plans to breed beagles for experiments. It is unacceptable that these gentle and trusting dogs should be treated as commodities. If B&K’s plans go ahead, thousands of dogs will be born to spend the rest of their short lives in a laboratory cage, where they will suffer in cruel experiments."
In 2010, over 5,000 experiments were carried out on dogs in UK laboratories. Beagles are largely used in toxicity (poisoning) testing both for human and veterinary drugs, as well as agrochemicals. Dogs can be force fed chemicals and drugs in capsules or via plastic tubes inserted through their mouths, directly into their stomach or strapped into a harness for hours at a time while substances are pumped directly into their bloodstream. Animals can suffer adverse effects that result in vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and lethargy. Some dogs may become so ill that they either die or have to be euthanased for welfare purposes.
“We applaud the Communities Secretary for rejecting plans for a beagle breeding facility in Yorkshire to supply laboratories,” said The BUAV’s Chief Executive, Michelle Thew. “Using dogs in tests is an issue that raises strong public concern, and this has been reflected in the huge response we have had for our campaign. This is a victory for public opinion, and of course the beagles.”
“The BUAV has long led the campaign to end the use of animals for research and our investigators have uncovered the sad plight of beagles at breeding facilities where they are treated as little more than a commodity on a production line.”
“Not only is there a strong ethical case to end these outdated experiments, but a range of non-animal research techniques are now available that provide a humane approach to science which can be used instead of breeding dogs to suffer and die in experiments.”
“I want to thank everyone who signed the BUAV petition and wrote to the Communities Secretary to voice your concerns.”
Source: BUAV
