Animal Aid is urging the public not to take part in the ALS ice bucket challenge, as the Motor Neurone Disease Association – the main beneficiary of the craze in the UK – funds experiments on animals.
Tests include using genetically modified mice bred to suffer severe motor impairment and muscle weakness.
Quite apart from the appalling suffering it inflicts on animals, such research has repeatedly failed to produce treatments for humans.
Over the past ten years, around 12 experimental treatments that showed promise in animal ‘models’ of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a type of motor neurone disease) have been given to humans in clinical trials.
All except one treatment failed, and that only has marginal benefits in terms of patient survival.
For genuine progress to be made in treating this devastating condition, charities like the Motor Neurone Disease Association must focus their resources entirely on humane and effective non-animal research.
For a free pocket guide to charities that do and don’t fund vivisection, contact Animal Aid by phoning 01732 364 546 ext. 233 or emailing Isobel@animalaid.co.uk
Isobel Hutchinson Animal Aid, Bradford Street Tonbridge, Kent
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