SIR: Mrs B Harding (Your views, April 15) asks the RSPCA's view on animal experimentation. The Society's policies are:

Opposition to all experiments or procedures which cause pain, suffering or distress; to animal experiments which involve unnecessary repetitions, or are for scientifically trivial ends, or which involve techniques to which satisfactory and humane alternatives have already been developed; to the use of animals in the testing of inessential substances such as cosmetics.

Support for the development of techniques that will result in the replacement, reduction or refinement of animal experimentation, regarding as an advance any technique which will completely replace the use of animals, reduce the numbers used or reduce suffering. Belief that it is also of vital importance that all new experimental and testing protocols should be subject to extensive review before licences are applied for. Providing encouragement for the setting up of ethical committees with lay and animal welfare representatives locally in industry, research establishments and universities. Opposition to the import and export of laboratory animals and to the import of all non-human primates and especially to the use of wild caught animals of any species. Belief that Breeding and Supplying Establishments designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act l986 should be open to inspection by the RSPCA.

P Evans

Council Regional Representative

Region 7 (North West), RSPCA

Broadmeadow, Bromley Cross

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