SIR,

There is strong public concern surrounding animal experimentation.

In 2009 more than 3.5 million animals were used in tests in the UK and over 58,000 animals were experimented on in Wales alone, an increase of more than 10,000 on the previous year.

As the 2011 Welsh Assembly Election draws closer it is important for voters to know their candidates' views on the issues that matter to them.

The BUAV has offered all candidates from the main parties the opportunity to complete a questionnaire on animal experimentation, to help voters make an informed decision when they go to the polling station in May.

We are asking candidates for their opinions on issues such as experiments on cats, dogs and primates, household products testing and transparency.

We have contacted all candidates in Monmouth but so far none have responded.

We believe that voters have the right to know the views of all their candidates, and so we encourage candidates who have not yet completed the questionnaire to do so.

We urge readers to go to http://www.buav.org/our-campaigns/elections-2011">http://www.buav.org/our-campaigns/elections-2011 to see their candidates' answers and to contact those who haven't responded.

Michelle Thew

(BUAV chief executive)