October 22, 2015

Annual Home Office statistics on animal research

This briefing focused on the publication from the Home Office of its 2014 statistics on animals used in scientific procedures as well as the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) annual report for 2014.

The latest figures were presented alongside responses from three leading experts who have a broad overview of animal research could give their thoughts on the reasons behind any changes in the statistics or issues raised in the annual report.

The ‘Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2014’ is compiled from returns provided by project licence holders. The annual report provides an account of the Home Office’s activities in relation to the regulation of animal testing.

A panel of experts came to the SMC to discuss:

• Why have the numbers risen/fallen in the case of certain animals?
• If the numbers are going up, how can this be if research is instigating the 3Rs (reduction, replacement and refinement)?
• Which areas of science are driving these trends and what is the future likely to hold?
• Is the animal transport issue having any impact on research?

Roundup comments accompanied this briefing. All our previous output on this subject can be seen here.

Speakers:

Dr Judy MacArthur Clark, Head, Animals in Science Regulations Unit, Home Office

Mr David Blunt, Chief Statistician, Home Office

Prof Dominic Wells, Professor in Translational Medicine, Royal Veterinary College

Dr Sara Wells, Director, Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council