Home Office releases annual animal research statistics
21 July 2009
Annual statistics on the use of animals in scientific research have been published by the Home Office today.
The "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2008” is compiled from returns provided by project licence holders covering scientific procedures performed using living animals subject to the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
The latest figures show:
- The number of procedures started in 2008 was just under 3.7 million, a rise of approximately 14 per cent (454,000) on 2007. This was largely due to the increase in essential biological research, applied studies and breeding for the production of genetically altered animals;
- The large majority of procedures – 77 per cent – used mice, rats and other rodents;
- Dogs, cats, horses and non-human primates were used in less than 1 per cent of the procedures;
- The number of procedures using dogs fell by 1,400 (-18 per cent). The number of procedures using cats was 360, an increase of 50, the majority of which were (as previously) for veterinary studies;
- The number of procedures using new-world primates fell by 410 (-53 per cent), part of a downward trend since 1999 and corresponding to 350 fewer animals used. The number of procedures using old-world primates rose by 1050 (+33 per cent), and corresponded to an increase of 580 animals used.
The UK is widely regarded as having one of the most rigorous systems of animal protection in the world. The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulates the use of animals in scientific experiments and ensures their use is limited to procedures 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.
Home Office Minister Lord West said:
"We are proud to have one of the highest standards of animal protection in the world and we are determined to keep it that way.
“Today’s statistics show an increase in the number of procedures being undertaken, and the overall level of scientific procedures is determined by a number of factors, including the economic climate and global trends in scientific endeavour. It is important to stress that in accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 the use of animals for 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.
Advances with non-animal test methods continue to be made, but at present licensed animal use remains essential to develop improved health-care technologies.”
Lord Drayson, Science and Innovation Minister, said:
“Britain has a high reputation for its standards of regulating research which uses animals. This work, described in today’s report from the Home Office, is critical to the development of new medicines and increasing the level of understanding of diseases.
We are a world leader in medical advances and the Government is proud of the pioneering work of our scientists and researchers.
We are committed to supporting this work through the Science Budget and through our support for the NC3Rs which works with scientists to refine, reduce and wherever possible replace the use of animals in research.”
The statistical report is published by Home Office as part of the National Statistics programme of work, subject to the Code of Practice for Official Statistics under the Statistics and Registration Act 2007. The statistical report and a link to supplementary information is on the Home Office website.
Press contact: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
