RDS has had plenty of opportunity to debate the merits of animal research with antivivisection groups.  None is more fanatical than the absurdly named Europeans for Medical Progress (EMP).  This group claim to have a ‘scientific’ critique of the use of animals in research. They usually open their debates by stating that they have no animal rights agenda.  Strange then, that their Director, Kathy Archibald, worked for the animal rights organisation Animal Aid before moving to EMP.  The group has a new alpha male, Jarrod Bailey, who appears to have ejected the old leader, Ray Greek.  The devout followers who turn up to the debates are all women!

Spokesman Bailey has had to admit that he is not an expert in every field of research.  That’s a relief.  Presumably there is a good explanation for his CV where he claims to have pursued a career in non-animal research methods, but gives his only area of expertise as animal experimentation!

Bailey claims that if he looked at any area of research he is confident that he could demonstrate that animals did not play a useful role.  This kind of deeply held faith, without supporting evidence, is the hallmark of religious belief, and the antithesis of a scientific approach.  No wonder it has proved impossible to have any meaningful debate with this strange organisation.