Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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Headmasters and Board of Directors of the following organisations in Sweden: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Uppsala University (UU) Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA) Karolinska Institutet (KI) University of Gothenburg (GU) Sahlgrenska University Hospital Linköping University (LiU) 7th October, 2019 Re: Proposed new animal research centre - SWECCLIM Dear Headmasters and Board of Directors, I am writing on behalf of the undersigned organisations concerned about the proposed new animal research centre named SWECCLIM (Swedish Experimental Clinical Center for Large-Animal Innovative Models) that the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) together with Uppsala University (UU), the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA), Karolinska Institutet (KI), the University of Gothenburg (GU), Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Linköping University (LiU) plan to create. The undersigned organisations want to express our concerns regarding the planning of SWECCLIM. The proposed infrastructure will provide Sweden with a facility that can conduct long-term studies in large animals such as dogs, cats, primates, goats, pigs, horses, sheep and cows. The anticipated number of experiments (short and long-term studies, studies in natural spontaneous models and non-human primates) at SWECCLIM will be up to 600 annually. The plan is to have SWECCLIM fully operational by 2023. It is likely that the general public will also oppose the construction of SWECCLIM. The Swedish Research Council has conducted an opinion survey on animal experiments, to find out the attitudes of the public to animal experiment issues. Just over 1,000 persons, aged 16 or older, were questioned in September 2018. In the survey, seven out of ten (73 per cent) consider animal experiments on animals considered as pets, such as dogs or cats unacceptable. There is also a major issue concerning the project requirement of approximately 90 million SEK in public funds. In view of current public opinion against the use of larger animals such as dogs, cats, and non-human primates; and in view of the considerable amount of taxpayer funding required for this project, it is important that a government sponsored public inquiry be held before any decision is made on the project. Animal-Free Science, not animal testing, is the way forward to put Sweden on the map as the epicentre of scientific innovation. I respectfully recommend against the current strategy for the new research centre SWECCLIM. The Centre would be the recipient of international praise if it decided not to pursue these plans. We would welcome your response at your convenience. Yours sincerely, Please respond to Daniel Rolke, Founder and President, Djurrattsalliansen (The Animal Rights Alliance), Djurrättsalliansen, Box 2107, 128 23 Skarpnäck, Sweden. [email protected] With support from the following animal welfare organisations; 1. Anima-Society for the Protection of Animals 33. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Friends of the Earth (Macau) Malaysia) 2. Animal Aid Unlimited 34. Sanctuary for Health & Reconnection to 3. Animal Defenders International Animals & Nature 4. Animal Guardians 35. Save The Asian Elephants 5. Animal Projects & Environmental Education 36. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Sdn Bhd 37. Showing Animals Respect and Kindness 6. Animal Rights Center Japan 38. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 7. Animal Rights Hawaii Animals - Selangor 8. Animal Welfare And Anti Harassment Society 39. Society for Travelers Respecting Animal 9. Beauty Without Cruelty Welfare 10. Beauty Without Cruelty 40. Soi Dog Foundation 11. Blue Cross of India 41. Stray Relief and Animal Welfare 12. Change for Animals Foundation 42. Taiwan SPCA台灣防止虐待動物協會 13. Djurrättsalliansen (The Animal Rights 43. The Cattitude Trust - Chennai Alliance) 44. The Kerulos Center for Nonviolence 14. Elephation 45. Vervet Monkey Foundation 15. Federation of Indian Animal Protection 46. Voice for dogs abroad Organisations 47. Voice4Lions 16. Franciscan Order - Hong Kong 48. We Animals Media 17. Friends of the Orangutans Malaysia 49. Wild Futures 18. Giving a Future Animal Aid 50. Wild Welfare 19. GREY2K USA Worldwide 51. Wildlife Alliance 20. Help Animals India 52. Animal Justice Project 21. Hollow Paws 53. Animal Rights International 22. Karuna Society for Animals & Nature 54. Antidote Europe 23. Landmark Foundation 55. Green Girls in Africa 24. Moving Animals 56. Japan Anti-Vivisection Association 25. Neotropical Primate Conservation 57. Loomus 26. Nepal Animal Welfare and Research Center 58. Nettverk for dyrs frihet 27. Nepal Street Animal Rescue 59. Oikeutta Eläimille 28. Nowzad 60. The Winsome Constance Kindness Trust 29. OneKind 61. Tree of Compassion 30. Orangutan Aid 62. Unexpected Wildlife Refuge 31. People for Animals 32. Pro Natura Foundation .