| Update:
Other articles about NIRAH
Original article May 2005: CAPS and Animal Aid have joined together to campaign
against the construction of a massive new aquarium known as
the NIRAH Project - the National Institute for Research into
Aquatic Habitats. It would be four times the size of the Eden
Project.
NIRAH plans to be the world's largest freshwater aquarium,
holding thousands of wild animals. It would also house a laboratory
in which drug company and university scientists will carry
out research on aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, to investigate
the 'biomedical potential' hidden in the toxins, venoms and
secretions they produce.
The NIRAH Project, if allowed, would be built in Bedford
and is strongly backed by the local councils and MPs. CAPS,
Animal Aid and Bedford Animal Action recently held a protest
outside Bedford Town Hall to draw attention to the animal
welfare and conservation implications of allowing the NIRAH
Project. Members of the public were shocked at the thought
of wild-caught animals being put on display and animals being
used in experiments.
A study commissioned last year by
CAPS found that 90% of UK public aquaria keep animals
who display stereotypic behaviours, 79% of the animals had
been taken from the wild and 98.2% of the animals do not belong
to species classed as threatened.
For detailed information on why we oppose the NIRAH project
read our NIRAH Q&A. |
|
CAPS, Animal Aid and Bedford Animal Action
protest against the NIRAH project outside Bedford Town Hall |
| Please help us
save animals from confinement and experimentation by joining
us in opposing the NIRAH Project. Write to the Councils and
Mayor asking them to withdraw support for the aquarium and
laboratory.
 |
Mr S E Field
Chief Executive, Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St
Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SJ
Tel: 01234 26742; Fax: 01234 221606
Email |
|
Andrea Hill
Chief Executive, Bedfordshire County Council, County Hall,
Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Tel: 01234 363222; Fax: 01234 228619
Email |
|
Jaki Salisbury
Chief Executive, Mid Bedfordshire District Council, The
Limes, Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45
2JU
Tel: 01525 402051; Fax: 01525 406288
Email |
|
Mr Frank Branston, Mayor of Bedford
Bedford Borough Council, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40
1SJ
Tel: 01234 221620
Email |
You can also help this campaign by becoming
a CAPS supporter. |
|
If you live in Bedfordshire also contact your MP.
|
Alistair Burt MP (Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire).
Tel: 020 7219 8132; Fax: 020 7219 1740
Email |
|
Patrick Hall (Labour MP for Bedford). Tel: 020 7219
3605; Fax: 020 7219 3987
Email |
|
Mrs Nadine Dorries (Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire).
Tel: 020 7219 3000 (House of Commons switchboard)
Email |
All MPs can be contacted at: House of Commons, London,
SW1A OAA |
