A petition calling for the United Kingdom (UK) government to ban the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures has gathered over 200,000 signatures in a week.
Launched on February 14 by Camp Beagle, the petition demands an immediate ban on using dogs for testing. This would be a first step toward ending animal experiments in the UK.
Camp Beagle is a non-stop protest camp outside MBR Acres, a company that breeds beagles for toxicology testing labs.
Growing pressure on the government
The petition argues that beagles are commercially bred in factory-like conditions and left unattended for extended periods.
In 2023, government data showed that 2,456 dogs were used in 3,749 scientific procedures. Of these tests, 734 were classified as causing moderate to severe harm.
Cam Beagle highlights the painful procedures these dogs endure, including oral gavage. This means that a tube is inserted into a dog’s throat to deliver substances directly into the stomach.
With over 208,555 signatures on Sunday, the UK Government must now respond to the petition. Parliament may also consider it for debate.
Another win for Camp Beagle
Camp Beagle animal rights protestor John Curtin won a legal battle on Wednesday, allowing him to continue protesting outside MBR Acres. The 62-year-old campaigner described the ruling as a “David and Goliath victory.”
John Curtin was fined £90 for contempt of court after blocking a transport van during a Camp Beagle protest in April 2022.
He admitted to breaking a court order that restricted interference with the facility’s operations, but the judge ruled that his actions caused only minor disruption.
Instead of imposing further restrictions, the High Court decided to lift his ban from the entrance of MBR Acres. The judge ruled that preventing Curtin from protesting at the site was unnecessary, as his actions did not seriously violate the court order.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen fairness in British justice. He (the judge) hasn’t crushed our right to protest or Camp Beagle,” Curtin said.
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The Animal Reader is an independent animal news platform based in the Netherlands. We share daily updates about animal-related issues.
