It now looks very likely that the revision of the European Directive on animal experimentation will be further delayed, perhaps beyond autumn 2008. This is creating all sorts of anguish among the animal rights groups. The Dr Hadwen Trust, an antivivisectionist funder of non-animal research, has blamed this on the European Commissioner for Research, as well as on ‘sustained pressure from animal research industry lobbyists’.

In fact the antivivisectionists have only themselves to blame. By deluging both European Commission officials and Parliamentarians with misleading, distorted and inaccurate information about animal research, they have created a situation where the draft revised directive is not of high enough quality to proceed.

Contrary to the usual accusations from animal rights groups, industry representatives in Europe have long made it clear that they welcome efforts to revise the Directive. Industry clearly supports more harmonisation of some key requirements – amongst them ethical review – since this makes the conduct of business easier and will have a positive effect on animal welfare throughout the community.

Regardless of any delay, ongoing improvements to animal welfare continue to be a priority for animal research users across Europe.