Ethical Issues in Animal Research

Question 1

Animals (Scientific Procedures Act) 1986

Answer 1

• Law governing the use of animals in scientific research.
• Research needs a licence from the Home Office
• Premises must be licenced for animal research and so must every researcher involved in research.
• Lab animals must come from “high quality suppliers” who comply with Home Office Standards.

Question 2

What is a project licence?

Answer 2

• A licence specifying the species, no of animals, and procedure that may be used.
• Only granted after weighing up the pros and cons of using the animals in the research.

Question 3

What is a personal licence?

Answer 3

• Given to researchers after they have taken the proper training courses.
• Must seek to minimise any pain, suffering or distress.

Question 4

Explain the ethical principle of Replacement

Answer 4

• Law will only allow research to be done on animals when it is completely unavoidable.
• If available, safer testing can be conducting without using animals, such as via computer simulation or bacteria.

Question 5

Explain the ethical principle of Refinement

Answer 5

• About improving welfare and reducing any potential pain or suffering, allowing animals to live with less stress.
• Increases reliability of research

Question 6

Explain the ethical principle of Reduction

Answer 6

• About using fewer animals to obtain the same/more research info.
• Good experimental design and stats analysis helps to use an optimum number of animals.