EU approves tougher controls on animal testing

TOUGHER controls on the use of animals in scientific experiments will come into force in two years after final approval by MEPs yesterday.

The new rules, compulsory in all 27 EU countries, strengthen animal welfare legislation but acknowledge the need for continued testing on animals until alternatives can be found.

Animal welfare groups had pressed for a blanket ban on animal testing, but greeted yesterday’s deal as a step forward, as long as it is fully enforced by national authorities.