BUAV International Work
Campaigning in Europe and beyond
115 million animals are used in laboratory experiments around the world each year - animal experimentation is an industry without borders, so it's important that the BUAV’s activities are too.
Europe
The BUAV estimates that 27 million animals are used in experiments in Europe each year; we are committed to ensuring their voices are heard.
Our work in Europe is carried out through the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) which the BUAV leads and provides the secretariat for. There are a number of additional specific reasons why it is important that the BUAV is active in Europe:
- EU law takes precedence over UK law
- EU law applies to all 27 member states, so legislation on animal experimentation will have far-reaching implications
- The EU legislative process generally operates more slowly than the UK system, consequently any laws implemented will remain in place for a longer period of time – so it is important the BUAV campaigns for the EU to get it right first time
- The EU is one of the largest political bodies in the world and has a great deal of influence – it can set the agenda internationally. For example, the EU is ahead of the USA in replacing animal tests with alternatives
- We elect the MEPs who represent the UK, so we have a right to lobby and influence them, and they have an obligation to listen to us
- Animal experimentation is a cross party issue. The political groupings in the EU mean that politicians with similar interests can come together across party lines
International Campaigning
Animal experimentation is a multi-million pound industry operating across the world. Researchers and institutions often collaborate globally and national governments look to international bodies for guidance on issues such as test guidelines.
- Trade in primates destined for the research industry
- Transportation of these primates
- Breeding centres
- Contract research organisations
Each component of the industry relies upon the others, for example, without the capture of wild-caught primates in places like Cambodia, and the transportation of non-human primates by companies like Air France , there would be no primates at breeding centres such as the one in Camarles, Spain , or in research laboratories like Covance in Germany. The BUAV works internationally to systematically uncover, expose and end this cruel and inhumane industry.
We also support partner organisations around the world to campaign on and develop positive policies against animal experimentation in their countries. The following are some examples of the international work we have been engaged in:
- Working with US partners to challenge the US Government to mandate the use of alternatives to animal tests
- Advising Government and researchers on alternatives to animal experiments in India
- Highlighting the need for change and securing the release of animals in Thailand
- Working with Animals Asia Foundation to develop their policy on animal experiments
- Working with Asian partners JAVA to challenge animal experiments in Japan
The BUAV is also an active member of a number of international coalitions working to promote non-animal alternatives and end animal experiments.
