FAWC response to the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) public consultation on the ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply

FAWC has responded to the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) public consultation on the ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply.  FAWC responded directly on the EGE website to the following two questions:

What is in your opinion the main ethical concern about animal cloning for food supply?

There are two main concerns. 

First is the consequences for animal welfare.  Cloning has a low success rate, with most embryos dying at an early stage.  Of those that survive throughout pregnancy, as many as one third die before birth or in the first few months of life, and many of those that live to maturity have abnormalities.  In addition, the techniques needed to obtain eggs are invasive.  Progeny of clones have fewer apparent welfare problems, but this does not make cloning for subsequent production of progeny acceptable. 

Second, animal cloning for food is opposed by a large majority of the public in Europe (possible medical uses are a separate issue).  It seems that most people regard the technique as unnecessary, and as an inappropriate treatment of the animals that are kept for our food.  Were cloning for food to be permitted, the message would be given that what the public thinks is being ignored by EU law makers.

What do you think should be done at EU level?

Prohibit throughout the EU the production of foods and food products that incorporate animal clones or their progeny or parts of them, and prohibit the sale of such foods and foods products, whatever the country of origin.

Farm Animal Welfare Council