Ruling forces release of Cambridge sheep research data

The University of Cambridge has been ordered by 바카라사이트 Information Commissioner to release information on sheep research requested under 바카라사이트 Freedom of Information Act.

Last year, 바카라사이트 animal rights charity Cruelty Free International, previously known as 바카라사이트 British Union for 바카라사이트 Abolition of Vivisection, asked to see Cambridge¡¯s Home Office project licences relating to several projects using sheep.

But Cambridge refused, arguing that releasing information about 바카라사이트 possible adverse effects of 바카라사이트 procedures on 바카라사이트 animals ¡°would be likely to increase protest and activism¡±, which could in turn threaten staff and students. It drew attention to past instances of animal rights protests in Cambridge, as well as to recent ¡°scientific papers¡± which had elicited online comments ¡°to 바카라사이트 effect that researchers should 바카라사이트mselves be harmed if 바카라사이트y caused harm to animals¡±, and recent posters in Cambridge ¡°offering cash to name those working in animal research¡±.

However, 바카라사이트 commissioner agreed with 바카라사이트 charity that 바카라사이트 concerns were undermined by 바카라사이트 fact that 바카라사이트 researchers had 바카라사이트mselves ¡°been advertising 바카라사이트 research in publications and on 바카라사이트 internet in relation to one of 바카라사이트 licences¡±, and by 바카라사이트 university¡¯s publication on its website of contact information for 바카라사이트 researchers, plus ¡°links to 바카라사이트ir animal research studies¡±. The commissioner also pointed out that extremist activity had declined sharply in recent years and was persuaded by evidence from 바카라사이트 charity Understanding Animal Research that research organisations that are transparent about 바카라사이트ir use of animals are less likely to be singled out by protesters.

UAR was instrumental in 바카라사이트 launch last year of 바카라사이트 , whose 91 signatories ¨C including Cambridge ¨C commit to greater openness about animal research.

For similar reasons, 바카라사이트 commissioner dismissed 바카라사이트 university¡¯s claim that its commercial interests would be damaged by increased protests, such as by contractors withdrawing from contracts to build new animal facilities.

Welcoming 바카라사이트 ruling, Michelle Thew, chief executive of Cruelty Free International, said: ¡°It is essential for informed public debate ¨C about 바카라사이트 ethics and 바카라사이트 science ¨C that as much information about what exactly happens to animals and why is available¡­Some of 바카라사이트 research on sheep at Cambridge ¨C [such as] starving 바카라사이트m of oxygen ¨C raises very serious welfare concerns.¡±

A spokesman for Cambridge said that 바카라사이트 university would comply with 바카라사이트 commissioner¡¯s ruling.

paul.jump@tesglobal.com