The Hindu : Animals & experiments

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 30, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Animals & experiments

Sir, — I fully endorse your view in the Editorial, `Animals and experiments' (Dec. 26), that it is often not understood that the mandate of the bodies such as the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Animals (CPCSEA) is not to ban animal experimentations but rather to ensure that it is carried out in the most humane manner and only when absolutely necessary. To establish it in letter and in spirit, sufficient numbers of experienced veterinarians may be appointed with independent authority in animal houses of the public sector and pharmaceutical companies.

T. Arunachalam,
Madurai, T.N.

Sir, — In your Editorial, `Animals and Experiments', you have expressed displeasure over the removal of Maneka Gandhi as the CPCSEA Chairman on the ground that she is more committed to animal welfare. But you have brushed aside the welfare of human beings. It is well known that during her chairmanship, there was a significant decline in medical research and the immunisation programmes were badly hit due to decreased vaccine production. Eminent research scientists in various institutions had resigned since their requests for animal supply were turned down. In this context, it is not sane to argue that experiments on animals should be carried out without harming them as thousands of animals are being butchered in slaughterhouses.

M. Rajendran,
Tiruchengode, T.N.

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