IT is National Pet Week until May 7. During the week, people with cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits in their home, will be reminded to look after them in a responsible way, and to repay them for making a positive difference to their lives by treating them with kindness, respect, and ensuring they stay healthy and well. Unfortunately though, for the tens of thousands of cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and horses used in UK laboratories each year, National Pet Week doesn't apply.
Although they suffer physical pain and psychological torment, they are not protected from harm by the Protection of Animals Act 1911; UK legislation covering animal experiments the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 permits the infliction of suffering in the lab. As a responsible citizen if we deliberately abuse our family dog or cat, we can, quite rightly, expect to be prosecuted for animal cruelty, perhaps fined, imprisoned and even banned from owning an animal.
ALISTAIR CURRIE, Campaigns Director, British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
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