Eurogroup for Animals is opposed to the cloning of animals and is campaigning to have the import and trade of food products from cloned animals banned within the European Union.

Why is it an issue?

1. The cloning process is inefficient, wastes animals' lives and causes them to suffer pain and distress at every stage of the process.

2. Cloning will further encourage people to see animals as things which can be used for anything. Animals are capable of feeling happiness and pain, and this should be taken into account.

3. The routine use of cloning will make it more difficult for livestock to fight diseases. If all animals within a flock have exactly the same weaknesses against a disease, they are at greater risk of being wiped out by the outbreak of a disease.

4. Consumers do not want food products from cloned animals, and should have the right to decide what ends up on their plate. Surveys in both Europe and the US show people do not support cloning as it causes suffering to animals and too little is known about the long-term health effects. Once cloning for food is approved, it is likely that shoppers will have no idea whether products they buy come from these animals.