The BUAV, has condemned the announcement by Mr Peter Luff, the Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, that the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has been immediately dissolved. The committee was set up to give independent scientific advice on the care and welfare of animals used in military research at the top secret Porton Down military laboratory in Wiltshire.

Recent animal tests at Porton Down uncovered by the BUAV have caused a public outcry, in particular horrific experiments in which live pigs were blown up with explosives and subjected to massive mutilation and injury.

In 2009, it was reported that over 8,000 animals were used in tests by the MOD, including mice, primates and pigs. Animals have been largely used in research into preventing and treating diseases used as weapons. Many of these experiments involved substantial suffering and resulted in the death of the animals. In some tests, there were no reports of treatment or pain relief given.

BUAV’s Chief Executive, Michelle Thew states: “It is unacceptable and inexplicable that at a time of growing public concern regarding the use of animals in these controversial warfare tests, that an advisory body providing an independent overview on the care and welfare of animals should be disbanded.”

22nd July 2010