Use of animals in research
In this section you can find out more about the use of animals in research – one of the subjects on which the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has produced background information
Background
The responsible use of animals in research has improved human and animal welfare through the advancement of scientific knowledge and the development of safer and more effective medicines.
The BVA respects the intrinsic value and sentience of animals and continues to support the traditional principles of the Three Rs
- replacement
- refinement
- reduction
What the BVA has done
The BVA has produced
- a policy statement
- a policy brief
which provides an overview of the situation in the UK including systems of control and licence structures, an ethical review, administration and inspection information and roles and duties of named veterinary surgeons
- a policy brief on the relevance of research and development to the veterinary profession.
The BVA worked closely with LAVA and the BVA Ethics and Welfare Group to submit a joint response to the Home Office consultation on the protection on animals in research in September 2011, which is available on our consultation responses page.
During the consultation period we wrote a letter to the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition , who were also responding to the consultation, outlining our key areas of concern regarding animal welfare. We have proactively offered the Home Office the use of BVA and LAVA’s expertise for when new guidance and codes of practice are drafted.
More information