The UK has one of the toughest regulatory systems in the world.
Government inspectors have unrestricted access to research facilities. In 2004 alone, these inspectors - who are all qualified vets and doctors - made 2,682 visits to the 227 licensed animal facilities. Over half of these visits were unannounced.
Three separate licences are required from the Home Office before animal research can take place:
- All animal facilities have to be licensed.
- All individual research projects using animals require a licence to ensure the research cannot be done using non-animal methods, and that the minimum number of animals will be used.
- All individuals working with research animals must have a licence to ensure that they have the training, skills and experience to look after the animals properly.
Want to promote The People's Petition? Download our
poster here.
To find out more about the benefits of medical research using animals, and the strict controls in place to ensure animal welfare, visit one of the sites below:
Coalition for Medical Progress
www.medicalprogress.org
RDS: Understanding Animal Research in Medicine
www.rds-net.org.uk