Ethics of Research involving animals
Recent issues of public debate
13.32 The debate in the UK about issues raised by the regulation of animal research is led mainly by a number of national campaigning organisations and some local grass-roots activists who are opposed to animal research (Box 2.4). These groups question whether or not the provisions of the A(SP)A are always interpreted correctly and whether, in practice, they are properly implemented. Some campaigning organisations and activists assert that there is a need for undercover investigations (see Box 2.5). Scientific and medical researchers have responded by creating organisations to communicate their views to the public (see paragraph 2.30 and Box 2.4).
13.33 In general, there has been criticism of the lack of openness about animal research in the UK. Some campaigning groups would like access to applications for project licences to comment on, and where necessary challenge, whether they should be granted (see Box 13.4 and paragraphs 15.35–15.36). Notwithstanding their methodological limitations, surveys of public opinion suggest a widespread lack of trust in the regulation of animal research combined with a lack of understanding about what is done and how it is regulated (paragraph 1.14). The use of primates in research and testing has raised ethical and animal welfare related concerns for many years, and has also been the subject of several campaigns by animal protection organisations. For example, the RSPCA has issued several reports on this issue and initiated campaigns ‘to reduce the numbers of primates used and to replace them with more humane alternatives’.32
13.34 Further issues are provoked by Section 5 (5) of the A(SP)A which prescribes that licences will only be granted if a non-animal method that could produce the knowledge sought by means of the animal procedure is unavailable. Many campaigning organisations assert that a number of alternatives to using animals in research exist but are not used as widely as they could be in research and testing.33 Some believe that there are already sufficient alternatives for all research uses of animals to be replaced immediately. Others take the view that existing alternatives are used where possible, but believe that with more effort and funding, it would be possible to develop many new alternatives that could reduce the need to use animals (see paragraphs 11.6–11.30). We return to these issues in Chapter 15.
Footnotes29 Animal Procedures Committee (2003) Review of the cost-benefit assessment in the use of animals in research (London: Home
Office).
30 Where an alternative method is practically available and effective. The use of wild-caught primates has also been abandoned as a matter of policy unless exceptional and specific justification can be established.
31 For example Home Office (1995) Code of practice for the housing of animals in designated breeding and supplying establishments, available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs/cop_hcasp.html. Accessed on: 4 May 2005.
32 RSPCA (2005) Primates, available at:
http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCACampaigns/Primates/PrimatesHomepage. Accessed on: 4 May 2005.
33 For example, Dr Hadwen Trust, available at: http://www.crueltyfreeshop.com/drhadwen/faq.htm. Accessed on 6 May 2005.