EC takes Italy to court over animal testing
Asks 150,000 euros a day in fines if found guilty
23 January, 12:43
(ANSA) - Brussels, January 23 - The European Commission on
Thursday took Italy to the European Court of Justice for not
complying with a 2010 directive on animal testing.European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik requested a daily fine of 150,787 euros ($205,642) if Italy fails to comply with the court's ruling.
Italy was supposed to have put the directive into force on November 10, 2012.
The directive aims to improve the welfare of lab animals and to firmly anchor the principle of the three Rs - to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals - in EU legislation.
Among other things, it says member States must take into account available "scientific knowledge in respect of factors influencing animal welfare as well as the capacity of animals to sense and express pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm".
Animal welfare is enshrined in Article 13 of the European Union treaty.
