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I am extremely pleased to be able to attend your
congress this year and even more so, given that it is being held in the
UK for the first time in a number of years. It is very encouraging to
witness the important work that the Institute of Animal Technicians is
doing: advancing and promoting excellence in the care and welfare of
animals in science.
I also wanted to come and demonstrate the
support of the Government for your work, and to say how appalled we are
by the treatment you have received at the hands of the animal rights
extremists. We believe, quite simply that citizens carrying out
legitimate activities should be able to carry out those activities
without fear of harassment.
I am very aware of the importance of the work
that animal technicians do in looking after the animals used in
research, but it is important that the wider general public know that as
well. That’s why the DTI has supported the Institute of Animal
Technicians recently in producing a leaflet for schools, Caring for
Laboratory Animals – and finding new medicines for people and animals –
to give its full title, explaining the work of an animal technician. We
know that you want to present your work truthfully and positively,
counteracting other messages that may be in the media, so that young
people are encouraged to choose being an animal technician as a career
option.
Supporting the work of animal technicians is
part of a wider Government communications campaign to inform the public
about the benefits of medical research using animals, the very strict
regulations under which animal research is conducted, and promoting the
welfare of laboratory animals. The Government is fully committed to the
humane use of animals in research and I am pleased to announce new
funding for the National Centre for the 3Rs. The Centre will receive an
additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years which will help it to
promote the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of animals in
research. You, as animal technicians, are well placed to contribute to
the advancement of best practice in this area.
Last year I was invited to become a patron of
Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR) and it is an honour to be here
today to present the 2004 SIMR Andrew Blake award. As you probably know,
SIMR was the brainchild of Andrew Blake and his energy and vision
continue in SIMR’s work today. This award shows the support and
appreciation patients, the medical and scientific community have for the
work of animal technicians and your role in the development of new drugs
and treatments. You all have a high level of commitment to your work,
and we want to communicate to everyone in our society how proud we are
of everything you do.
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