Following a recent BUAV undercover investigation, we have made a shocking discovery...
| When: | July 2007 |
| Where: | Camarles, Spain |
| Who: | BUAV undercover investigator |
| What: | Massive development and expansion of a 'primate breeding and supply facility' |
Background
A few years ago, investigators from the BUAV went to Spain. Regretfully, we were not there on holiday - we were there to campaign against the construction of a 'primate breeding and supply facility' near Barcelona. This is where macaque monkeys are shipped to from their homes in Mauritius. Here, they wait out a miserable existence unless they are shipped again to a laboratory somewhere in Europe where they will be subjected to who knows what kind of abuse and lingering death.
Subsequently, the local authorities banned any further developments like this in the region, but we couldn't stop this one. Then three years ago it all went quiet; some people said it had closed down, but the BUAV continued to watch...
Find out what we witnessed
Witnessed July 2007:
- After following the sounds of animals crying out, our investigator saw row upon row of barren, concrete cages baking in the sun.
- Inside the cages were hundreds of macaque monkeys.
- Our monitoring has uncovered massive development and expansion — there are already almost 1,000 caged monkeys. The owners are now building cages for at least 3,000.
- Cages appeared overcrowded. No earthen floors or plant material and insufficient attempts at enrichment for these social, intelligent animals.
- While watching one of the cages through an electric fence, we witnessed men entering the cage. Terrified monkeys were caught roughly by the tails and carried around by their arms which were pinned behind their backs.
- As you can imagine, a captive, unnatural environment coupled with being chased and roughly handled is extremely stressful for monkeys.
- Ownership can be traced back to Covance, the animal testing company disgraced in 2004 following another BUAV undercover investigation that discovered primates being horribly abused in their laboratories.
You can view some of our footage here
Summary
As you can see from our footage, this primate breeding and supply centre is an inherently cruel and inappropriate place for macaque monkeys.
The expansion of the existing facility is particularly alarming given the current revision of the European law on animal experimentation. At this time when there is growing acceptance that primates, our closest relatives, should be experimented on less, it is outrageous that the animal experimentation industry is trying to counter restrictions by developing this facility. Worryingly, this centre in Spain could provide an almost unlimited supply of primates for European laboratories.
The next steps
Ultimately, we are campaigning for a ban on all primate experimentation, while our immediate goals are to reduce and challenge demand.
This new evidence now strengthens our case to influence the revision of a key European law on animal experimentation ('Directive 86/609') and further restrict the use of primates.
How you can help
We desperately need funds to bring this shocking evidence to the attention of politicians and legislators. We also need more money to continue monitoring this centre and other places. Only the BUAV has the capabilities, track record and determination to effectively challenge this awful industry.
Please send what you can and help save thousands of monkeys from this terrible end.
Make a difference by writing a letter:
As well as sending us your support, you can help by informing people in positions of power about this terrible place. Please write to the European Commission, the Spanish Embassy and the Home Office.
