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See other news storiesInspectorate publishes first annual report into animal research
21 November 2005
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate has for the first time today published information about its work in an annual report.
The report provides previously unavailable information and highlights a commitment to transparency and openness in animal research – for both medical research and animal welfare.
The work of the Inspectorate
The Inspectorate ensures compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which regulates the use of animals in experiments and other scientific procedures.
This ensures that animal use and authorised procedures are kept to a minimum, causing the least possible suffering to the smallest number of animals.
All inspectors have medical or veterinary qualifications and they advise on all of the licence applications for work under the Act, which includes:
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checking whether the use of live animals in the experiments can be avoided
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checking that submitted proposals genuinely do involve the fewest animals and least amount of suffering
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inspecting the premises where work is carried out
Work carried out from January - December 2004
In 2004, inspectors made 2,682 visits to animal labs around the UK, the majority of them unannounced.
During these visits they:
- examined animal experiments and the suitability of conditions animals were kept in
- provided advice on nearly 600 applications for licences to perform experiments on animals
- assessed whether the benefits outweighed the likely suffering to the animals and ensured that adverse effects were kept to a minimum
Home Office Minister, Andy Burnham said:
‘This report outlines the essential work Home Office inspectors carry out on a daily basis to maintain the UK's strong regulatory system for animal research.
‘Properly regulated animal research has led to advances in the treatment of many medical conditions and saves thousands of lives each year.
‘Today's report highlights the government's commitment to transparency and openness in animal research and our support for both medical research and animal welfare.’
- Read the Annual Report of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate on the Home Office Science, Research and Statistics website
