July 10, 2014

annual Home Office statistics on animal research

The Home Office published its 2013 statistics on animals used in scientific procedures as well as the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) annual report for 2013.

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

The ‘Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2012’ 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.

Questions covered included:

• 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?

Speakers:

David Blunt, Chief Statistician, Home Office

Dr Judy MacArthur Clark, Head of the Home Office’s Animals in Science Regulation Unit

Prof Roger Morris, Acting Head, Department of Chemistry, King’s College London

Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, Head of Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)

Prof Paul Bolam, Associate Director of Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit, University of Oxford