Dr Jane Goodall Joins a Host of Celebrities, Scientists, Academics & Politicians in BUAV Call to Stop Cruel Wild Monkey Trade

LONDON, March 30, 2011 - An Open Letter to UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has been signed by a
host of politicians, scientists, academics, wildlife experts and celebrities.
The letter, which calls on the UK Government to dissociate itself from the
cruel trade in wild-caught primates for research, is today published in the
Times and Guardian newspapers.

Support for the BUAV campaign comes from world famous primatologist, Dr
Jane Goodall, actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna,
environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, conservationist Ian Redmond, author
Richard Adams, TV wildlife presenters Simon King, Bill Oddie, Michaela
Strachan and Mark Carwardine along with celebrities such as Dr Brian May,
Ricky Gervais, Jenny Seagrove and Toyah Wilcox. Other individuals to sign up
include barrister Michael Mansfield, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell
and leading academics and scientists such as Professor Roger Crisp, Professor
William McGrew, Revd Professor Andrew Linzey, Professor Stephen Harris,
Professor Michael Balls, Professor Vernon Reynolds, and Professor Jonathan
Wolff. Politicians include David Blunkett MP, Vernon Coaker MP, Caroline
Lucas MP, Zac Goldsmith MP, Chris Davies MEP, Jillian Evans MEP, Nigel Dodds
MP and Charles Kennedy MP.

The source of primates used in research raises important welfare
concerns. Many primates used in UK laboratories are imported from countries
such as Mauritius, and despite a UK ban on the use of wild-caught primates in
research since 1997, there is no such ban on their offspring or those from
farms which trap wild primates for breeding purposes. The capture of primates
from the wild inflicts great suffering which has been recognised by a number
of organisations and official bodies, including the UK government's own
advisory committee, the Animal Procedures Committee.

Over 100 MPs have also signed an Early Day Motion (EDM 957) calling on
the Government to end the UK's involvement in the wild-caught primate trade.

BUAV's Chief Executive, Michelle Thew states: "The BUAV is delighted to
receive such widespread support. By allowing the importation of monkeys born
to wild-caught parents, the UK is fuelling a cruel and unnecessary trade. We
call on the Prime Minister to take action to ban the import of these primates
and stop perpetuating this appalling cruelty."

For further information: fleur.dawes@buav.org; +44(0)7850-510-955 or
+44-(0)207-619-6978. Letter & signatures can be viewed at:
www.buav.org/our-campaigns/primate-campaign/uk-primate-trade-campaign/

For further information: fleur.dawes at buav.org; +44(0)7850-510-955 or +44-(0)207-619-6978