The UK has a long tradition of protecting animals and this is especially true of animals
used in research. There have been special controls on the use of laboratory animals in the
UK since 1876.
In 1986 the laws governing the use of animals in research were extended and revised to
ensure that the welfare of the animals was safeguarded while allowing important medical
research to continue.
The resulting Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act is widely recognised as the
strictest in the world and in some ways exceeds the European Union Directive
(86/609/EEC) dealing with the welfare of laboratory animals.
This UK Act will only allow research to be carried out using animals if any benefit the
research is likely to bring outweighs any pain and distress the animals may suffer.
More detailed information on the 1986 Act can be found on the Home Office Web site at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/animact/
