The Union’s animal testing policy – which has now been changed following yesterday’s elections – has been deemed “discriminatory” by animal rights group PETA.
The previous policy meant products on sale in the Union Shop from companies that test on animals were identified by a red label.
PETA (The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation) reviewed the Union’s policy and stated that the policy unfairly discriminated four companies – Colgate, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble and Reckitt-Benckiser – while products from some other companies that did use animal testing were not being labelled at all.
Martin Bailey explained that this situation probably arose because whenever a smaller company was acquired by one that used animal testing, it was up to the Union Shop staff to find this out and change the labelling accordingly.
An Animal Testing Select Committee (ATSC) was formed to investigate ways of changing the policy.
Two possible options were short-listed for the referendum that was part of the 2010 elections from March 2 to March 4.
Option A referred to dropping the whole label scheme, Option B involved adopting the Go Cruelty Free standard set by the British Union Against Vivisection (BUAV).
Option B was voted for in this week’s referendum.
In their final report the ATSC also considered dedicating a display for BUAV-approved products in the Union Shop.
The Union’s Ethical and Environmental Committee (E and E), were disappointed not to be consulted in the decision by the ATSC.
A spokesperson for E and E said: “We regret that we were not consulted as part of the committee’s research, in order to ascertain our opinions on the best options to put to referenda.
“If Option B is passed, we would like to ensure that the labelling of BUAV products is as clear as possible, preferably in colour and with accompanying signs explaining what the BUAV logo stands for, so that students are able to make a truly informed choice.”
Town and Regional Planning Councillor Chris Maidment, who suggested the policy be reviewed by a ATSC, said:
“Option B is an animal testing policy that allows students to make an informed choice and is practical to implement.”
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