The UK regulations are considered some of the strictest animal testing regulations in the world. They are regulated by the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986) which was revised again in 2013. This act makes it illegal to use great apes such as gorillas and chimpanzees for testing, but the use of other primates is still legal. Animals such as dogs and primates are used the least due to the time and expense of keeping them in captivity. Rodents are used for about 80% of animal tests. Three licences must be obtained from the Home Office to carry out animal testing under the scientific procedures act. A project licence, personal licence, and an establishment licence. Each establishment must have appropriate accommodation and veterinary facilities to obtain a licence. The licence will specify which areas are suitable for certain procedures. For example some areas may be suitable specifically for dispatching animals after use, while other areas may only be used for certain types of testing. An establishment licence remains in force until it is revoked and should be reviewed annually. A personal licence is required by any person carrying out testing procedures. All researchers and technicians must have necessary training, skills and experience. They must carry out an accredited modular training course for each species being used and an additional course if they are going to carry out surgical procedures. The licence specifies where they can carry out procedures, the supervision in place, what types of procedures can be carried out and on which species. The licence remains in place indefinitely or until it is revoked, and is reviewed every 5 years. A project licence specifies the numbers and types of animals used, types of experiments carried out, purpose of the testing, and requires a certificate to confirm there are adequate facilities and staff for the procedures. A project licence can be issued for any length of time up to 5 years. After 5 years the holder must apply for a new licence. If the licence has been issued for less than 5 years the holder can apply to extend the licence up to 5 years. In 2015 approximately 570 project licences were granted and around 1400 inspections were carried out.
Each project is also evaluated on the 3 R's:
Replacement: A project will only be granted a licence is there is no reasonable scientific alternative. They must prove that non-animal methods will not provide satisfactory or reliable results.
Reduction: They must use the smallest number of animals needed to give reliable results. It is the responsibility of the project licence holder to ensure there is no unnecessary or surplus breeding of animals. Procedures should not be carried out if there is data already available and sharing data should be encouraged to minimise the testing required. A project licence must justify any need for the duplication of tests (to confirm the accuracy of results).
Refinement: Stress and pain must be reduced as much as possible in methods of testing, breeding, accommodation and care of the animals. Animals must be given pain relief where possible and when it will not disrupt the accuracy of results. Death should be avoided as an end-point when possible. A 'humane' end should be provided as soon as possible.
Most animals will be euthanized after testing as they will be in too much pain and stress to justify keeping them alive. There are a few places that have been set up to rescue animals after lab testing, however, too many animals are used during testing to put them all up for adoption. Animals such as primates will have been born in captivity and can not be released into the wild. Often, the injuries and health problems sustained are so severe that it is kinder for them to be euthanized.
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