British Secretary of State Greg Clark has today announced a decision granting permission to Yorkshire Evergreen to farm thousands of Beagle dogs and other animals for experiments has been reached today. The announcement by Mr Clark overturns the decision of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and contradicts a ruling by the previous Secretary of State who rejected similar unpopular plans for a dog farm on the same site.

beagle photo

Celebrities Brian May, Peter Egan and Mark Radcliffe joined the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) campaign to oppose the controversial plans. Legendary Queen guitarist and Save-Me Trust founder Brian May voiced his disappointment at the ruling, saying “I am sickened to hear that this facility is to go ahead, ignoring the views of the public and local authorities, and condemning these best friends of man to thousands of unethical and unnecessary tests. This is an appalling message for Britain to send out to the world.”

Downton Abbey’s Peter Egan was shocked by the decision, saying “This is a tragedy that will see litter after litter of beagle pups reared for the laboratory, where these gentle animals will be force-fed and killed in crude tests that are of little use to people.”

Grahame Morris MP said “I am extremely disappointed that Yorkshire Evergreen’s plans have been approved. It makes absolutely no sense and is completely out-of-step with the government commitment to reduce the number of animals in experiments. I will do all I can to oppose similar plans and encourage scientists to use cutting-edge alternatives to animal tests.”

Yorkshire Evergreen is owned by US multinational animal supplier Marshall BioResources and has attempted to push through plans for a laboratory breeding facility for four years, appealing multiple rejections. The proposals have caused a public outcry in the local community and across the UK, with tens of thousands of people signing petitions and speaking out in opposition.

Earlier this year, a Yorkshire Evergreen director was convicted of illegally killing and mistreating animals by an Italian court. Marshall BioResources’ Italian facility ‘Green Hill’ was closed and the dogs have been re-homed.

Being small and docile, Beagles are preferred test subjects. Dogs are commonly used for ‘toxicology’ experiments where they may be force-fed chemicals and have toxic substances pumped into their veins which can make them so sick that they die in agony. Almost all individuals are killed at the end of the experiment.

There has been a substantial reduction in dog experiments over the past ten years. Latest statistics show that 3,554 dogs were experimented on in Britain in 2013, down from 5,088 in 2003. The NAVS is concerned that the surge in availability of Beagles could lead to a dramatic increase in dog experimentation.

Science is moving away from using animals with far more advanced alternatives available. In addition, public support for animal experiments has fallen and the government has pledged to reduce the number of animals in experiments.

The plans are liable to disrupt the village and local community, potentially subjecting Grimston locals to sound pollution and damaged verges during building work. Further disruption will be caused as young Beagles are transported off to their fates in laboratories and the facility deals with the delivery of supplies and increased disposal of animal waste.

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3 comments
  1. Once again US multinational corporations lead the world in cruel, abusive and exploitative treatment of living beings. As a US citizen, and an animal lover, I am deeply ashamed.

  2. this idiot greg clark needs to back off. this is horrible for the animals, and totally unnecessary!

  3. This is 2015 not the dark ages. Using animals for research is cruel and evil. I am sure I signed a petition against this research using Beagles. British Secretary of State Greg Clark is obviously not a pet owner, animal lover. Even people that do not have animals are against this horrible decision. Something has to be done to change this. We need Jane Goodall’s help!!!!

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