RSPCA: Ban the Clones – cloning for food production ‘ethically unjustified’
Ban the Clones – cloning for food production ‘ethically unjustified’
RSPCA scientists are calling for an immediate ban on the cloning of animals for food production echoing an EU think-tank opinion today (17 January) that the process is ‘ethically unjustified’.
The opinion, made by the European Group on Ethics (EGE), follows statements by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the last week that cloning for food production posed no health risks in humans.
RSPCA senior scientist Dr Nikki Osborne said: “The RSPCA is totally opposed to cloning for food production on animal welfare and ethical grounds. People seem so focussed on whether or not we could do this, they have forgotten to look at whether we should.
“Cloning causes untold suffering to the animals in the process, but is purely for commercial benefit. The RSPCA believes that the cost in terms of animal welfare in no way justifies any perceived benefits of cloning.”
RSPCA concerns include:
– The cloning process is hugely inefficient, leading to unjustifiable wastage of life.
– It has a massive potential to cause pain, suffering and distress at all stages of the process.
– Animals are increasingly being seen merely as ‘food’ rather than as sentient beings.
Last week, high-profile chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – along with the RSPCA – highlighted the plight of ‘cheap’ chickens, arguing that we should be prepared to pay more for higher-welfare meat. Cloning goes completely against that principal, and is another process by which the ‘cheap food’ culture will be perpetuated. The EU believes so-called clone-burgers will be on people’s plates by 2010.
Dr Osborne said: “We don’t believe people fully understand what cloning means, particularly for the animals, but if the EU decides cloning is okay, then Britain will follow. The RSPCA wants to see a ban before it’s too late.”
She added: “Food from cloned animals may seem a tasty option to some, but it leaves a distinctly bad taste in the mouth when it comes to animal welfare.”
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Notes to editors:
1. For more information, background briefing or interviews, please contact the RSPCA press office 2. For details of the EGE opinion, see: http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/index_en.htm
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099 Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 0870 0555500 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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