[Shasown]

Not all in one go though I might add:

Animal rights campaigners expressed outrage last night after the Ministry of Defence admitted blowing up 119 live pigs in explosives tests.

The MoD defended the experiments, saying they had 'saved many lives' in Afghanistan and Iraq.

They have led to improvements in body armour and the medical treatment of soldiers injured by roadside bombs, it said.

But animal welfare activists criticised the 'unethical' practice of causing 'massive mutilation and injury' to the pigs.

The research took place at the Government's secret military research laboratory Porton Down, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, between 2006 and 2009.

Official figures reveal 25 pigs were used in improvised explosive device experiments in 2006, 19 in 2007, 40 in 2008, and 35 in 2009. The animals are anaesthetised before the explosions.

The breed of pigs used in the experiments have skin similar to humans.

Scientists say the tests allow them to see injuries consistent with those inflicted by the Taliban on the battlefield and devise more effective post-traumatic techniques.

The MoD also wraps pigs in materials used to make body armour, such as Kevlar, to determine how effective it is at reducing damage from IEDs.

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection said: 'Not only are such experiments scientifically questionable... subjecting pigs to such massive mutilation and injury also raises profound ethical questions.'

Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has written to ministers urging them to stop the practice.

An RSPCA spokesman said the MoD was required to carry out the tests under strict controls, but added: 'For many, such a use of animals represents a distressing example of the price animals can end up paying as a result of humans' inhumanity towards other humans.'

An MoD spokesman said: 'The advances made due to this research can be utilised both in theatre and civilian scenarios, particularly if there are mass casualties and evacuation to hospital is delayed.'

Government figures show more than 50,000 animals, including sheep, monkeys and cattle, have been subject to experiments at Porton Down in the past four years, including ones using chemical and biological weapons such as Anthrax and nerve gas.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz0oZSFvu6g

It is interesting to note that these tests were for defensive reasons as opposed to weapons development. The Government doesnt develop new weapons etc, private industry does.

[Tom4784]

I've always placed human life above that of animals and if it does save lives in war torn areas then I'm for it.

[BB_Eye]

As a taxpayer rights campaigner, I want the government to stop wasting billions on the MoD altogether, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by BB_Eye

As a taxpayer rights campaigner, I want the government to stop wasting billions on the MoD altogether, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.

What would you have them waste it on?

[Shaun]

*tries to come up with a pigs-sausage-bangers-bang!-explosion pun*

[Shasown]

Pigs wearing kevlar body armour are a lot harder than pigs in blankets, Shaun. You dont mess with them.

[Shaun]

Hahaha. Crackling stuff.

[Enid]

I bet that made a bit of a pig sty...

[setanta]

I love when they justify anything they do involving Iraq or Afghanistan by claiming that it "saves lives".

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by BB_Eye

As a taxpayer rights campaigner, I want the government to stop wasting billions on the MoD altogether, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.

Oh, that would be great, maybe we could drop a few ships from the navy and get rid of most of our troops too! Great idea

[Twilight]

Originally Posted by setanta

I love when they justify anything they do involving Iraq or Afghanistan by claiming that it "saves lives".

Agreed, tbh.

[cupid stunt]

Originally Posted by BB_Eye

As a taxpayer rights campaigner, I want the government to stop wasting billions on the MoD altogether, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.

what and let the taliban an al queada come and blow us up? GET A GRIP PAL

[cupid stunt]

Originally Posted by Shasown

Not all in one go though I might add:



It is interesting to note that these tests were for defensive reasons as opposed to weapons development. The Government doesnt develop new weapons etc, private industry does.

what a waste of pigs, imagine how many pork scratchings they could have made out of em

[LeatherTrumpet]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I've always placed human life above that of animals and if it does save lives in war torn areas then I'm for it.

why?

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

why?

Because IF this experiment is providing positive results for improving armour I'd rather a plentiful resource like pigs pay the price then a soldier dying in vain in an unjust war.

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

Because IF this experiment is providing positive results when improving armour I'd rather a plentiful resource like pigs pay the price then a soldier dying in vain in an unjust war.

Valid point Dezzy, though the results will help in development of equipment for use by the military in any future conflict as well.

Dont know why LT is peeved, doesnt it say in the bible God gave man dominion over animals?

[keithafc]

Originally Posted by Shasown

Valid point Dezzy, though the results will help in development of equipment for use by the military in any future conflict as well.

Dont know why LT is peeved, doesnt it say in the bible God gave man dominion over animals?

The bible is still taken seriously..

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by keithafc

The bible is still taken seriously..

Did I say it wasnt?

[karezza]

Instead of using innocent animals, the MOD should use paedophiles and deranged murderers.