The care of the animals in question was not up to the required standards for a variety of reasons, from not being fed to inadequate housing during refurbishment. However, nearly two thirds of the infringements were minor technical issues and did not lead to extra suffering. It is because of the strict regulations in place and the high welfare standards we have that such reports are detailed.
While it is unacceptable that any infringements occur, it is good to know that this level of accountability exists. In all instances, the people involved were admonished, given extra training where required, and practices were modified to ensure they did not happen again. In 2007, ASPI inspected the work of 14,438 personal licensees, and the report states there were 30 cases of infringements – none of which required a licence to be revoked.
Figures out this week from the RSPCA show a trend of increasing cruelty to animals – 2007 saw an increase of 24% in the number of convictions for animal cruelty. There were 1,149 people convicted for crimes against animals, with 54 people being given prison sentences, mainly for cruelty to pets. When you have figures such as these, the 30 infringements in research – half which were self-reported, and the majority involved minor non-compliance – pale in comparison.
For each one of the tortured dogs, kicked cats, and abused horses in the RSPCA report, you can bet the owners didn’t bring themselves forward, take on responsibility – they had to be thoroughly investigated to get the convictions. The animal research community is clearly much more open and accountable; it should be recognised that the welfare of animals involved in research is of paramount importance to all concerned.
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