I take the issue of animal welfare extremely seriously. By way of background, I was one of a group of backbenchers that campaigned to increase the penalties for people who abuse animals from six months in prison to five years. I also spoke out in favour of a ban on the ivory trade, later announced by the Government. These two measures alone were hailed by the RSPCA at the time as representing “a fortnight of incredible news for animal welfare in the UK”.
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) provides for the protection of animals used for experimental or other scientific purposes. The Act mandates that all research projects involving scientific procedures on animals must abide by the 3Rs principle – replacing the use of animals, reducing the number of animals used, and refining how the animals are treated during the process to minimise pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm.
The ASRU is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the ASPA. The ASRU provides advice on the regulations, operates the licence system, and ensures the compliance of licence holders with the terms of their licences.
The requirements attached to these licences ensure that scientific procedures are conducted in the appropriate facilities, by skilled practitioners, as part of methodically sound, robust scientific projects that comply with all legal obligations under the ASPA, including the 3Rs.
I am advised that the Change Programme will improve ASRU efficiency, working methods, and delivery of services. Greater co-ordination of ASRU activity will ultimately lead to a more effective ASRU, one that can better protect animals in science by ensuring compliance with the ASPA to the greatest extent possible.
The UK has some of the strictest animal research regulations in the world, and I am assured that the Change Programme will not undermine our status as a world leader.