Letter: Animals' rights

Regarding this article about scientists creating "sick pigs" to cure humans (your report, 17 June), it is worth noting that Dr Whitelaw himself claims that animal research is essential, but in the next breath admits that use of these animals will "not necessarily" allow treatments to be developed.

This is not only a question of the rights and welfare of animals, but an indication that our health is being determined by the kind of blind chance and "try that, mibbe it'll work" mentality usually found at roulette tables.

It is time to have an open and independent inquiry into the validity of using animals in research.

JOHN PATRICK

Scotland for Animals

Glen Etive Place

Glasgow