Letter: Animals on trial (2)

How can anyone believe that torturing animals to death is for the benefit of human health? Numerous drugs have been withdrawn since 1990, including Halcion, Teflex, Raxar and Zyban. All were "safety tested" on animals.

Bayer's anti-cholesterol drug was withdrawn after being linked to 31 deaths. GlaxoSmithKline is facing a lawsuit over anti-depressant addiction claims. Leading medical journals have just accused the rich and powerful drug companies of distorting the results of scientific research for the sake of profit.

In their well-financed efforts to preserve the status quo and not promote non-animal methods, pro-vivisectionists are depriving people of safe, effective medical treatments.

Sheila Edwards
Dubai, United Arab Emirates