Petition title: Ban commercial breeding for laboratories.
Implement reform to approve & use NAMs
Revoke all licences (PEL) for commercial breeders of laboratory
animals. Require all Project Licences (PPLs) applications be
reviewed by an independent Non Animal Methods (NAMs) specialist
committee. Revise s24 ASPA 1986 to allow review. Urge
International Regulators to accept & promote NAMs.
100,484 signatures (Parliament
considers all petitions that get more than 100,000 signatures for
a debate)
Government responded
This response was given on 27 May 2022
The use of animals in science supports the development of new
medicines and the safety of our environment, for the benefit of
humans and animals, and is only permitted when there are no
alternatives.
Read the response in full
The UK’s strengths in research and innovation put it at the
forefront of global science. The Government is committed to
supporting this science base whilst delivering a rigorous
regulatory framework of protections where animals are used.
The use of animals in science supports the development of new
medicines and cutting-edge medical technologies, for humans and
animals, as well as supporting the safety and sustainability of
our environment. Animal research has helped us to make
life-changing discoveries, from new vaccines and medicines to
transplant procedures, anaesthetics, and blood transfusions.
Animal testing is required by global medicines regulators to
protect human health and safety. Many products which would not be
safe or effective in humans are detected through animal testing
thus avoiding harm to humans.
Animal testing of chemicals is, in some cases, required under UK
law and is dependent on the chemical and quantity manufactured,
to protect the safety of workers exposed to material in high
amounts, consumers and the environment when chemicals may find
their way into waterways, soil or atmosphere.
The Government is also clear that animals must be protected. The
legal framework in the UK ensures that animals are only ever used
in science where there are no alternatives, where the number of
animals used is the minimum needed to achieve the scientific
benefit, and where the potential harm to animals is limited to
that needed to achieve the scientific benefit.
The UK regulatory framework has a rigorous approach to the
application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in
all applications for programmes of work involving animals.
Establishments conducting research must have robust internal
governance systems and processes that ensure the regulated
activities carried out at the establishment are undertaken in
accordance with the principles of the 3Rs.
The use of animals in science is highly regulated, including a
three-tier system of licensing which licenses each establishment,
project, and individual involved in performing regulated
procedures involving animals. All establishments are required to
have dedicated individuals including veterinary surgeons with
legal responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals, and
an ethical review body, which reviews any proposals for the use
of animals and promotes the 3Rs of animal use. The UK regulator
conducts an integrated assessment of the compliance of all
licence holders including on-site inspections. The Home Office
has published and enforces standards for the care and
accommodation of all animals bred, supplied or used for
scientific purposes.
Our application of the 3Rs principles continuously evolves with
scientific developments, including new approaches that do not use
animals. New approach methodologies have the potential to reduce
the use of animals, improve the efficiency of drug research and
development, and to deliver safer, cheaper, and more effective
medicines to patients. The Government continues to actively
support and fund the development and dissemination of the 3Rs.
This is achieved through UK Research and Innovation who fund the
National Centre for the 3Rs and research into the development of
alternatives through Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council,
and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
The Government is clear that the use of animals in science is
justified, for the benefits it brings to human, animal and
environmental health and safety. Alongside this, the Government
supports the replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of
animals in science – principles that remain valid. The existing
legislative and regulatory frameworks provide an appropriate
delivery of these two objectives.
Source: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/611810
