Document type: Article published in Horse & Hound (UK)
Author: Lucy Elder
Preview: Legislation that could pave the way to relax restrictions on gene editing in animals is making its way through the law-making process.
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill was outlined in The Queen's speech on 10 May, forming a timely backdrop to a gene editing debate at the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) discussion forum a stone's throw from Parliament the following day.
The ethical question of whether gene editing compromises animal welfare was thrashed out, with experts presenting arguments on both sides.
The ability to cut out certain hereditary conditions and diseases in the space of one generation is one of the major benefits. On the other side are concerns about how and why mankind would use this - and potential negative effects of procedures on animals.
"Gene editing has the potential to compromise welfare faster and more severely than anything that has come before it," said Matt Leach, animal sciences group lead at Newcastle University. "By modifying animals to meet our needs, we run the considerable risk of reducing our moral responsibility to domestic animals.
He likened the technology to a "wizard's wand" used to better meet human needs, and the potential for unintended consequences for animals. [...]
