(IN) 'Biotechnology developments averse to animal welfare'

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'Biotechnology developments averse to animal welfare'

 

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) An animal welfare organisation Thursday expressed

concern over the latest developments in biotechnology, as a result of which

genomes of farm animals are modified to propagate certain traits.

 

The Humane Society International (HSI) has written a letter in this regard to

the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the environment

ministry.

 

N.G. Jayasimha of the HSI said in a statement: 'Farm animals now have their

genomes modified or cloned to propagate certain traits useful to agribusiness,

such as the yield of more meat. This could have serious adverse effects on farm

animal welfare.'

 

'Therefore, we have written to the GEAC to frame regulations with regards to

application of biotechnology to farm animals, which ensure their welfare. We

also told them, if needed, we would be happy to submit a draft regulation,' he

said.

 

According to Jayasimha, guidelines for regulating scientific experiments on

animals issued by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of

Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) do not cover experimentation on animals in

agricultural production.

 

'The department of biotechnology also lacks specific regulations relating to

animal cloning. The lack of regulatory or legal constraints on what can be done

to animals in pursuit of increasing agricultural output is a major concern,' he

said.

 

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Thank you for your compassion !

With best regards,

Debasis Chakrabarti

Compassionate Crusaders Trust

http://www.animalcrusaders.org