Guidlines for working with animals

Guidlines for working with animals

1. Disposing of animals

   • If an animal has been used in a procedure its reuse is tightly controlled.
   • If animals must be killed during or subsequent to a study, this must be done as humanely and painlessly as possible.
   • acceptable methods for particular species are defined in The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Procedures that are likely to cause pain or discomfort should be performed only on animals that have been adequately anaesthetised, and analgesics should be used b

2. Legislation

   • The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires the researcher to acquire Home Office Licences to conduct animal research. These can only be obtained if the research aims are approved and certain conditions are met.

3. Replacing the use of Animals

   • Seek alternatives to using a live organism in their research

4. Choice of Species

   • Choose a species that is scientifically and ethically suitable for the intended use

5. Number of Animals

   • Use the smallest number of animals sufficient to accomplish the research goals.

6. Procedures

   • Ensure that any scientific procedure involving a protected animal that may have the effect of causing pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm is avoided.
     • This is regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and includes causing death, disease, injury, physiological or psychological stress, significant discomfort, or any disturbance to normal health, whether immediately or in the long term.
   • Permission to perform such procedures requires a Project Licence. Such a licence is only granted after weighing the benefits of the proposed programme of against the costs (in welfare terms) to the animals that will be used in the work.

7. Procurement of Animals

   • Common laboratory species (such as rats and mice) must come only from Home Office ‘Designated Breeding and Supply Establishments’. Other species should only come from high quality suppliers.

8. Animal care

   • Ensure the conditions under which the animals are kept when not being studied meets high standards as detailed by The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
     • For example: Caging conditions should take into account the social behaviour of the species. Caging in isolation may be stressful to social animals; for other animals overcrowding may also cause distress, and possible harm through aggression.