Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E2607

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2607/96 by Raymonde DURY to the Commission. Animal experiments** 
  
*Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0063*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2607/96 by Raymonde Dury (PSE) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Animal experiments

Under Directive 86/609/EEC ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. )) on animals used for experimental purposes, experiments shall not be performed if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practically available.

Thousands of primates are still being sent to Europe from Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Mauritius or Barbardos, 80% of which die before arrival. Invitro techniques which can be used to achieve the objective sought often exist but these are longer and more costly than the use of monkeys.

Can the Commission say whether the arguments put forward by companies and scientists concerning the length of time and costs involved constitute an acceptable justification for exemptions to the above Directive?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1996)

Article 7(2) of Directive 86/609/EEC ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1996. )) states that an experiment shall not be performed if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available.

The use of primates is considered essential for biomedical research, and there are still insufficient suitable alternatives available.

The Commission has no information about the mortality of the animals during transport and cannot therefore comment on the figure of 80% quoted by the Honourable Member.

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