The Edinburgh International Science Festival this April is planning to conduct an autopsy of a cow at Edinburgh Zoo as a part of its programme. The cow – killed for this autopsy - is being donated for this event, though its source has not been revealed. 

The festival programme is describing the proposed autopsy as an opportunity to see, “What makes a cow interesting? …” and to “find out more exciting facts as our zoo vets perform a cow post mortem!” which suggests that it is acceptable to kill and cut open a mammal for nothing more than the curiosity of the public and, contrary to the claims of the Festival Director, does not advocate respect for animals. The fact that there is nothing to be learnt by this entire horrific event only amplifies the gross disrespect to animals and mocks the Festival’s theme of Biodiversity this year. 

Ethical Voice for Animals (EVA), an animal rights group based in Edinburgh, have asked for the event to be dropped from the programme. Hundreds of people have sent emails to Simon Gage, the Festival Director and other stake holders and funders, including the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government. Several hundred supporters have also joined the Facebook page to stop this autopsy from going ahead.

In his response to EVA Simon Gage the Director admits that " ...the purpose of this event is not to learn anything new about the anatomy of a cow...."  The Evening News described it as “One event likely to raise a few eyebrows”.

A spokesperson for EVA said “The killing of yet another cow cannot provide any information which has not already been studied and documented. The Science Festival should highlight and celebrate the achievements of science over the years and the benefits they bring; instead, this reckless waste of life takes us back to the dark ages. We urge anyone who is concerned and wants to stop this event going ahead to contact the Director at: Simon@scifest.co.uk”

Send protest emails and read more here http://ethicalvoiceforanimals.org.uk/shownotice.php?articleid=35

In the press http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/news/Public-autopsy-of-cow-slated.6137478.jp and http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Postmortem-on-cow-39must-be.6138111.jp