Biotechnology, animal health and animal welfare within the framework of European Union legislation

Experimental and farm animals are used in biomedical research and in biotechnology studies that are designed to improve agricultural productivity. European legislation governing such research, which is modelled on existing National Laws regarding animal health and welfare, is agreed after several preliminary sessions in which contributions and opinions from large sections of European society are sought. Special attention is paid to opinions expressed by ethical and animal rights associations, which emphasise that animals should be considered as 'sentient beings' and not mere 'goods' or 'property'. A statement to this effect is included in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, which was signed in Rome in 2004 by the 25 European Union member states.