Ban on testing apes and monkeys ruled out

THE Department of Health has ruled out an official ban on drug trials and other experiments involving monkeys and apes — despite not issuing any licences to allow such tests to take place.

However, animal rights campaigners have said they will continue to push for a ban, arguing that unless it is specifically outlawed, scientists could try to begin experimenting on chimps and other primates at any time.

The call for a ban comes as the latest figures show a surge in the number of animals used in scientific and medical tests and experiments last year — 73,794 mammals, birds and fish were used in 2006 compared with 37,940 in 2005.