Crass menagerie

Published on 28/09/2012 00:00

The latest government statistics show the number of animals used in experiments in Scotland during 2011 rose by nearly 12 per cent to 647,569. This is the continuation of a disturbing trend which has seen the number increase by more than 75 per cent in the past four years.

Nearly one-fifth of all experiments in the UK are now carried out in Scotland. It is unacceptable so many animals continue to suffer and die in Scottish labs, including 1,399 rabbits, 4,563 sheep, 265,191 fish and 746 pigs.

We are supporting the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection in its call for the UK government to fulfil its pledge and reduce the number of animals used in research. In the 21st century we should not still be subjecting so many animals to pain and suffering in laboratories.

Katy Clark MP

Mike Crockart MP

Patrick Harvey MSP

Alison Johnstone MSP

Mike MacKenzie MSP

John Mason MSP

Stuart McMillan MSP

Sandra Osborne MSP

Dennis Robertson MSP

Jim Sheridan MP