MADAM - I am sure that many of your readers will be interested in stories about animals and many no doubt share their home with one or more cat, dog or rabbit.

We are purported to be a nation of animal lovers yet every year hundreds of cats and thousands of dogs and rabbits suffer and die in cruel experiments in the UK. The BUAV believes this should end.

However, there is a further issue that many people are not aware of and that is many other animals may be used but are not killed as part of the experiment. Still others are bred for research but not used and considered ‘surplus to requirements.’ However, without any effort to release or find homes for them outside the laboratory, these animals are simply killed – denied the opportunity of freedom. Shockingly, there is no law protecting dogs, cats or any other animals once they have outlived their use in laboratories.

I want to share the news of the BUAV’s latest campaign which is aiming to bring in nationwide legislation in order to make it a mandatory requirement for laboratories to find homes for these animals who are ‘no longer required’ through reputable shelters and other organisations.

I hope your readers may be interested to join our call on the Government to require laboratories to find homes for dogs, cats and other animals where possible.

Readers can find out more information at www.ourbestfriends.org/homing

Michelle Thew CEO

THE BUAV

London