Gene transfer and welfare

Extract

This report provides a very easily read summary of the techniques and welfare problems involved in the creation and maintenance of transgenic farm animals. The author suggests that the motive for carrying out this type of biotechnological research is largely financial, and that there has been little regard for the welfare of the animals used. The stated view of The Compassion in World Farming Trust, given in the conclusion to the report is that ‘it is unethical for us to impose suffering on other sentient beings either for monetary gain or for medical “advancement”, human or nonhuman’. It is therefore not surprising that the report is categorically opposed to the genetic engineering of farm animals.