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CONTACT THE MOD PART 2

The use of goats in UK hyperbaric research is currently being reviewed by the MoD. When this review began, we were informed that its findings would dictate whether or not the tests would be halted. As of March 2007, there have been no tests on live animals in this field, and they will now only resume if the review finds them to be absolutely necessary. Please take a moment to contact the MoD and encourage them to make the ethical, and scientificaly sound decision.

SAMPLE LETTER

Rt Hon Desmond Browne MP,

I am writing in regards to the use of live goats in diving experiments being conducted on behalf of the MoD by QinetiQ in Alverstoke.

I am aware that you are currently engaged in a review of these tests, and the use of live animals in them.

QinetiQ have themselves stated in relation to submarine escape research, “such information has been captured and is presented to submariners as a ‘safe-to-escape curve’.” This curve is already being presented to divers, and is in the public domain. Whilst I am aware that research into this field will continue, I would ask that you reconsider the use of live animals, and instead rely on mathematical models, and safe human studies, such as those used by the French Navy.

Mike Hancock MP who has witnessed these tests has labelled them as “repeat” procedures, and the statement from QinetiQ appears to echo this sentiment.

As I am sure you are aware, live goats have been used in this field of research since 1905, when John Haldane decided that they were of a similar size to adult humans. Over a century has passed, and Britain is now lagging behind in this field of research. It is time to move on.

In a 5 year procedure, ending in 2005, into the effects of DCS on brain damage, QinetiQ found that the control goats who had never dived were four times more likely to suffer neurological damage than those who had. They put this down to the goats head-butting in their field. It is this kind of un-scientific variable that makes the use of goats not only unethical, but also an unreliable tool in this area of research.

I am interested as to who is in charge of reviewing these tests, and if they have full access to all relevant research and data in this field.

Yours sincerely

YOUR NAME

Post:
Rt Hon Desmond Browne MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Email:
browned@parliament.uk

Telephone:
+44 (0) 1563 520267