Pets can be gene-edited under new UK law
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Pets may be subject to gene editing under a new government law, the RSPCA warns.
The animal charity said the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act applies to all vertebrates, not just farm animals, and that it could lead to gene editing of cats and dogs to include extreme traits.
The law allows the creation and sale in England of “precisionly bred” or edited plant and vertebrate genomes. The government said it would allow farmers to grow drought and disease resistant crops, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and help breed animals that are immune to harmful diseases.
UK Environment Secretary Theresa Coffey called the act, which received royal assent on Thursday, “Freedom Brexit”, but the RSPCA said it could have dire consequences for animal welfare.
David Bowles, head of campaigns and public relations for the RSPCA, criticized what he called “ill-conceived policies”. He said the charity tried to get a pet exemption from the government, but was “unfortunately ignored.”
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