EXPORT OF ANIMALS FOR RESEARCH (Hansard, 20 March 1968)

§ Mr. Rafton Pounder (Belfast, South)
I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prohibit the export of animals for vivisectional research abroad; and for purposes connected therewith. I would like to make clear at the outset of my remarks that this Bill has wide support in all quarters of the House. This Bill is not a vivisectionist Measure. The important word is export rather than vivisection. The wide support which I have received from a large number of well-known and respected animal welfare organisations has transcended the boundaries of the traditional supporters and opponents of vivisection. I am pleased to include the full support of the R.S.P.C.A., S.S.P.C.A. and U.S.P.C.A. amongst the protagonists of my Bill, in addition to the British Council of Anti-Vivisection Societies.
I do not intend to enter into any of the ethical or medical arguments normally associated with discussions on vivisection. Such arguments are irrelevant to my Bill. This Bill has nothing to do with vivisection in this country, it is wholly concerned with animal exports.
What is my Bill? And why is it necessary? This Measure would, as I have already stated, prohibit the export of animals for vivisectional research abroad.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. It is difficult for an hon. Member to continue to speak against a background of conversation.

§ Mr. Pounder
Such a Measure is to my mind necessary because in no other country is there legislation comparable to the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876. Although this Act is now over 90 years old, and is probably in need of revision particularly regarding the provision of adequate inspection of experiments, nevertheless, whatever its shortcomings, this Act is unique in the annals of animal legislation.
Section 3 of this Act states that No experiment calculated to give pain shall be performed on a vertebrate animal without complete anaesthesia of the animal during the whole of the experiment, or without the animal being killed before recovery 427 from the anaesthetic if it is in pain or seriously injured". The animal protection given by this Act is clear and humane, and has afforded just pride to research workers and to animal welfare societies alike.
Although some would contend that comparisons with other countries are odious, nevertheless I feel that consideration must be given to the fact that certain things, which would not be tolerated under the regulations applicable in this country, are practised with impunity in many parts of the world.
I do not wish to engage in emotionalism, but I feel that I should illustrate the point which I am endeavouring to make regarding practices abroad. I have in my possession a series of authenticated photographs of experiments conducted in a Japanese laboratory. Quite apart from the nauseating nature of the experiments depicted, the fact which is doubly distressing is that it is abundantly clear that none of the dogs shown in the pictures have been anaesthetised. This view is supported by a veterinary surgeon who carefully examined the pictures at my request.
Surely it is wholly undesirable that animals bred and reared in this country should be sold for use in foreign laboratories where the protection offered by British legislation does not apply. How extensive is the practice of exporting animals from the United Kingdom for vivisectional research abroad? Reliable figures are extremely difficult to obtain, and estimates of the number of animals involved fluctuate wildly. However, the value of these exports can be more accurately determined—it amounted to about £550,000 last year. These animals include rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, but also many dogs and cats.
This trade is growing. Of this there is no doubt. It is noteworthy in this context that one company's certificate of registration describes its activities as the breeding of laboratory animals for research organisations mainly in Europe". There are also other firms which export animals for research as a subsidiary activity. Their number is imprecise.
The most undesirable section of this animal export trade is the laboratory 428 animal dealer, the person who is sold unwanted pets, for which good homes are to be found, and who, despite promises to that effect, without further ado sells these erstwhile family pets to laboratories, often abroad. Time does not permit me to elaborate further.
Likewise, I am assured that if an advertisement appears offering to buy whole litters of puppies, it is a fairly reliable indication that the dealer is seeking to buy with sale for vivisection, often abroad, in mind. The fact that all the puppies in a litter are seldom of uniform excellence does not seem to concern the dealer. Recently I read an advertisement which sought to buy 1,600 beagles.
It has been contended that if this animal export trade was banned it would have an adverse effect on international medical research. My endeavours are not aimed at undermining medical research. I am, however, unimpressed by the argument that a scientist cannot accept the findings of a colleague but must conduct his own experiments and that, only if these research findings correspond, is he satisfied. This would appear to lead to seemingly unnecessary duplication of effort.
How could any ban be enforced? On the normal documents required for any exporting activity it would not be difficult to include a sentence stating that where animals are exported these creatures would not be used for vivisectional purposes. Likewise, it would not be too difficult to fine those who contravene such a regulation, in the same way as those who break any regulation can be called to account.
In conclusion, certain clear obligations devolve on anyone who uses animals in research work. He incurs a moral responsibility to justify his action, and a duty to limit pain and to give proper care. Abroad, there is no legislation anywhere requiring proper care of animals, nor inspection of experiments, nor any steps to limit pain.
The Littlewood Report states that the rôle of animal legislation is to prohibit objectionable activities. I feel that one such is the export of animals for research.
I commend my humble Bill as necessary to stop a growing and degrading export traffic. This Measure 429 is humane and reasonable; and it is one which I trust will meet with the approval of all Members of the House.