Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

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Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is a piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that regulates the use of animals in scientific research. The Act aims to ensure that animals are used in experiments only when absolutely necessary and that their welfare is protected throughout the process.

Background

The Act was introduced in response to growing concerns about the treatment of animals in scientific experiments. Prior to its enactment, there were few regulations in place to govern the use of animals in research, leading to widespread abuse and suffering.

Provisions

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 sets out strict guidelines for the use of animals in experiments. It requires researchers to obtain a license before conducting any experiments involving animals and to demonstrate that the research is scientifically justified and that alternative methods are not available.

The Act also mandates that animals must be housed in appropriate facilities and provided with adequate care and enrichment to ensure their well-being. It prohibits the use of animals in experiments that cause severe pain or distress unless there is no alternative.

Enforcement

The Act is enforced by the Home Office in the United Kingdom, which oversees the licensing and regulation of scientific procedures involving animals. Inspectors conduct regular inspections of research facilities to ensure compliance with the Act and investigate any reports of non-compliance.

Impact

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 has had a significant impact on the use of animals in scientific research in the United Kingdom. It has led to greater transparency and accountability in the use of animals and has helped to reduce the number of animals used in experiments.

See also

• Animal welfare
• Animal testing
• Ethics of animal testing

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