The way animals taking part in biomedical research programmes
are housed and looked after is governed by lengthy and
complex regulations. These regulations and Codes of Practice
are laid down and administered by the Home Office and
must fulfil the 1986 European Convention (20) which states;
‘Any animal used or intended for use in a
procedure shall be provided with accommodation, and
environment, at least a minimum of freedom of movement,
food water and care, appropriate to its health and well-being.’
The quality of housing and care of research animals
in the UK is probably the highest in the world. The
reasons for this are both ethical and practical.
• Everyone concerned with research animals, animal
care personnel, vets, scientists, government inspectors
etc, are keen to see that the animals are given the
best possible living conditions and surroundings which
will enrich their daily lives.
• In scientific work involving animals the most
reliable results are likely to be obtained using healthy
well-socialised animals that are well adapted to their
housing conditions.
The Codes of Practice laid down by the Home Office
are extremely rigorous and detailed and run to many
pages for each species of animal. They detail such things
as;
• The construction of animal houses
• Staffing levels and staff training.
• The provision of a named vet.
