Since Monday 22 June, when we publicly denounced the measures that will be detrimental to animals included in decree n° 2020-274 adopted on 17 March 2020, many people have tweeted in support of our campaign and signed our petition. Following our appeal to the Prime Minister on 27 April we are now submitting an appeal against the decree to the Council of State.
Minimal improvements
The decree does provide a few minimal improvements, as we emphasized in our appeal to the Prime Minister1, such as the change of name of the Commission and the broadening of the composition of the National Commission on Animal Experimentation to include three representatives of animal- or wildlife-protection organizations.
Two provisions problematic for animals from breeders
But we are appealing to the Prime Minister to reconsider two provisions of the decree in particular. First there is a loosening of the criteria that we do not understand, relating to the use of animals from unregistered breeders. In other words, the criteria for obtaining derogations and buying animals from unregistered breeders have been relaxed.
The other provision that we are denouncing is allowing exceptions under which experimental procedures can be carried out in unlicensed establishments. Testing would therefore be allowed on premises other than in the laboratories that comply with the few regulations to protect animals. Where? In breeding establishments? Who will hold information on these premises where experiments are carried out? What transparency and what checks will there be when the rate of unannounced inspections of vivisection laboratories in France is already the lowest in Europe? It is very worrying.
An explosive mixture: less restrictive regulation of breeders than in the past
At the same time the system of licensing dog-breeders has changed. Previously breeders with between 10 and 49 dogs had to make a simple declaration and those with 50 dogs or more had to obtain a licence after an official inspection. Since the decree of 22 October 2018 breeders with fewer than 100 dogs have no longer been subject to any formalities other than making a simple declaration, thus doubling the number of dogs authorized.
Breeders of other species of animal are not subject to any regulations. We are awaiting the hearing in the Council of State following our appeal against the decree, which represents an unacceptable setback for the animal cause.
After the publication of the official figures for the number of animals used in laboratories, one of the highest in Europe with almost 2 million animals in 2018, we are continuing to demand a proactive policy of providing massive funding for research into non-animal alternatives.
Following its appeal to the Prime Minister, sent on 27 April 2020, One Voice is also submitting an appeal against the offending provisions of ministerial decree n° 2020-274 to the Council of State.
1 - Our appeal to the Prime Minister
Translated from the French by Patricia Fairey
