Leading the herd

WHILE we welcome any attempt to reduce the number of animals used in scientific procedures, Scotland for Animals believes the recent announcement of funding in this direction is a cynical attempt to appease the public who are growing ever more concerned about this situation (your report, 28 July).

Figures for animals used and killed in experiments in Scotland are rising dramatically despite evidence available that the use of animal models for research is producing deeply flawed results, obstructing the discoveries of cures and treatments and damaging human health.

As no cost/benefit analysis or investigation into the efficacy of animal experimentation has yet been conducted, our charity is campaigning, with a huge amount of public support, for the Scottish Government and MSPs to call for an independent and thorough public inquiry into the situation and to invest in non-animal research methods to provide safe and reliable treatments.

Scottish politicians claim they can do nothing as this is a "reserved matter".

However, the government and MSPs have a very wide scope in which to take action on this matter, including demanding that the provision of licences for animal procedures be devolved.

Scotland could lead the way in non-animal research which would benefit our health, create much needed investment and employment and help to reduce our country's woeful health record.

Token gestures such as the one mentioned in the article will not achieve this.

JOHN PATRICK

Scotland for Animals

Glen Etive Place

Glasgow