Animal Research in the UK

The Animals Scientific Procedures Division (ASPD) forms part of the Home Office Science and Research Group.

Within the division there are two teams:

• Animals in Scientific Procedures Licencing and Policy team
• Animals in Scientific Procedures Inspectorate (ASPI)   

The ASPD

The ASPD are responsible for policy on the use of living animals in scientific procedures and for the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Act in England, Scotland and Wales.

Their aim is "to maintain the balance required by the 1986 Act between the interests of science and industry and animal welfare."

The ASPI

The ASPI maintain a programme of inspections of facilities where work under the Act is carried out. The Inspectorate is composed of registered medical and veterinary practitioners who usually have first hand experience of biomedical research, and possess higher scientific or clinical postgraduate qualifications.

The APC

There is also the Animal Procedures Committee (APC) who are an independent body set up under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary and the Department of Health on matters concerned with the 1986 Act and their functions under it. 

The committee is required by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to have regard both to the legitimate requirements of science and industry and the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use. Each year, the Committee makes a report on its activities.