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21 July 2008
The UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act regulates the use of animals in experiments and other scientific procedures and is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous systems of its kind in the world.
The Act limits such use to where there is a clear potential benefit to people, animals or the environment and when there is no means of obtaining these benefits without animal use, or at a lesser animal welfare cost.
The “Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2007”, compiled from returns provided by 100 per cent of project licence holders, show:
- the number of procedures carried out in 2007 was just over 3.2 million, a rise of approximately 6 per cent (189,500) on 2006; this was largely due to the increased breeding use of genetically altered animals;
- the majority of procedures – 83 per cent - involved mice, rats and other rodents. The remainder primarily involved fish (10%) and birds (4 per cent);
- dogs, cats, horses and non-human primates (types of animal which receive special protection under the 1986 Act), were used in less than 0.5 per cent of the procedures and;
- the number of procedures on non-human primates decreased by 240 procedures (6 per cent) compared with 2006; the number of procedures on dogs rose by 600 procedures (9 per cent) the number of procedures on cats fell by 240 procedures (41 per cent).
Home Office Minister Meg Hillier said:
"Under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes can only be authorised when it is the only option and can be shown to be justified. As the regulator we ensure that a proper balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is maintained; and that the regulatory system is effective, efficient and impartial.
“The availability of timely, authoritative and accurate information relating to the use of animals in science is essential to inform public understanding. Publication of the annual statistical reports and the report of the Inspectorate, together with other information we provide as part of our commitment to openness and transparency in the field of animal research, contributes to this process.
“Advances with non-animal test methods continue to be made, but at present licensed animal use remains essential to develop improved health-care technologies. The UK continues to maintain strong science-base, and high animal welfare standards, in line with the requirements of the 1986 Act.”
Also published today is the “Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate Annual Report 2007”.
The statutory role of the Inspectorate is to advise on proposals for work under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and to monitor compliance with authorities under that Act.
During 2007 the Inspectorate
- provided advice on 632 project licence applications, 2,618 personal licence applications, two applications for certificates to designate establishments for scientific work, and 6,551 requests for amendments to licences and certificates;
- carried out 2,401 (mainly unannounced) visits to places where scientific work on animals was conducted, a 1 per cent increase on last year and;
- spent 6,749 hours on site conducting inspections and advising on the use of animals in research, a increase of 2 per cent increase on last year.
All scientists and researchers undertaking animal research in the UK are required to take into account the '3Rs' (measures to replace, reduce, and refine animal use) when devising their programmes of research proposals. Furthermore the Secretary of State may not authorise animal use when the scientific objectives can be met by means not using animals; and, when work is licensed, all reasonable steps must be taken to minimise the numbers of animals used and any suffering likely to be caused.
In 2004 the Government established the National Centre for the 3Rs to provide a focal point and resources for such activities.
The Home Office continually updates its website with summaries of many of the project licences granted as part of a commitment to greater transparency in the field of animal research.
Notes to Editors:
1. The main points of the statistical report, and a link to the report and supplementary information is on the Home Office website and can be found at:
Home Office / Animals in Scientific Procedures/Publications-and-Reference/ Statistics.
2. The ASPI Annual Report can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/animal-research/publications-and-reference/publications/reports-and-reviews/.
3. Abstracts of project licences can be found at: Home Office/Animals in Scientific Procedures/Abstracts .
4. The Government announced the establishment of a National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research on 21 May 2004 (Home Office press notice 195/2004). More information can be found from its website at: www.nc3rs.org.uk.
5. The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate (ASPI) is part of the Animals Scientific Procedures Division within the Home Office. ASPI Inspectors are employed as civil servants to provide technical advice to the Home Secretary and to the ASPD officials who operate the licensing system and provide policy advice to Ministers. They also maintain a programme of inspections of work carried out under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and inspect the facilities where animals for this work are bred and used.
6. The Inspectorate is composed of registered medical and veterinary professionals. They usually have first hand experience of biomedical research and possess higher scientific or clinical postgraduate qualifications.
7. In addition to their statutory duties, Inspectors put considerable effort into advising licensees and potential licensees on how to meet the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act and how to keep to the conditions on licences. Inspectors also point to possibilities for replacing, reducing or refining animal use in research, disseminate good practice, promulgate and explain ministerial initiatives and policies, and advise on animal experimentation issues
