Scientists call on UNIMORE to stop monkey experiments

'Invasive, painful procedures that always end in death'

(ANSA) - Bologna, July 25 - A group of 73 doctors, biologists and other scientists has called on the dean of Modena and Reggio Emilia University (UNIMORE) to stop raising and experimenting on monkeys, the Italian Anti-Vivisection League made known Friday.

"The experiments involve invasive procedures such as inserting screws into their eye sockets and steel wires into their neck muscles, and implanting recording devices in their brains," LAV officials said. "These kinds of experiments take years, and always end in death." The UNIMORE biology department has been raising and experimenting on the monkeys for decades, according to LAV. "Publications resulting from these invasive investigations have yet to provide answers applicable to human beings," said LAV biologist Michela Kuan. "These studies don't heal the sick".

The university earlier this month issued a statement saying that its research "provides answers to the manifold needs of Italian society". These include mandatory testing of new pharmaceutical products, the university said. Some 900,000 animals are used and killed in labs in Italy every year, according to LAV.