Our concerns about genetically modified animals central to new enquiries
Earlier this year, our science team contributed to a new book on animal experiments.[1] One of their chapters deals with the often-overlooked issue of genetically modified (GM) animals: specifically, that the process of their creation and breeding for research is extremely inefficient and imprecise.[2]
Many of the GM animals generated for research do not actually contain the intended modification, and many of the small proportion who might be ‘as desired’, contain other, unintended genetic modifications that make their use in experiments futile and not human-relevant.
Our scientists also published a paper on this topic in September’s issue of the journal ‘Trends in Biotechnology’ to raise awareness of the problem in the wider scientific community.[3]
Although some scientists are concerned about the imprecise nature of genetic modification in animals, for both scientific and ethical reasons, the issues remain overlooked by many. We are working to change that situation.
Recently, we have been very encouraged to see the issue of the use of GM animals being taken more seriously. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, for example, is now examining gene editing in farmed animals and The European Commission recently held a roundtable to discuss gene editing in animals more widely. Cruelty Free International submitted well-received evidence to both inquiries.
We want to see more action. At the very least, we are calling for further public consultation and consideration of a moratorium on the creation of GM animals.
Given the harm to and suffering of GM animals, the exaggeration of human benefits, and uncertainty surrounding adverse effects, we believe there can be no substantial argument against a moratorium: it is the minimum that science and ethics demands.
We will continue to monitor the situation, to communicate with the European Group on Ethics and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics to ensure that these concerns are given the attention and consideration they deserve, and to keep you informed.
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