Statement on the Use of Animals
Aberystwyth University believes that all of its research programmes must be undertaken to the highest standards and must use the most relevant models. Work on animals is always only part of any research programme; non-animal techniques such as cell and tissue culture, molecular biology and computer modelling are used extensively. However, in agricultural and biomedical research, animal models remain essential for understanding biological systems as they function in the living organism. Accordingly, animals are used in a very small proportion of the research programmes being undertaken at the university. The purpose of this work is to gain a better understanding of fundamental biological processes, which ultimately allows ways to be devised to combat medical and veterinary disorders and transmissible diseases.
Research on living animals is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, through a stringent licensing system operated by the Home Office (see link below). It controls what can be done, where and by whom. A project licence is granted to allow a programme of work only if the Home Secretary considers that the potential benefits to humankind or other animals outweigh likely animal suffering caused by the research. Furthermore, the research establishment must hold a certificate of designation and each person involved in animal work requires a personal licence. Those carrying out procedures under the Act must undergo formal training, and are supervised until deemed competent. At Aberystwyth, compliance is monitored by the AU Animal Procedures Committee as well as members of staff, including the Certificate Holder, the named Veterinary Surgeon and those responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals. Home Office Inspectors also make regular (often unannounced) visits to check for compliance and to advise licensees.
All projects involving animal research are subject to the University’s formal ethical review process, prior to authorisation by the Home Office. The Animal Procedures Committee includes lay representation as well as veterinary and animal care expertise. A rigorous approach is taken on issues such as animal welfare and accommodation. The University endorses the Three R’s (ie is committed, where possible, to replacing animal use with alternative approaches, reducing the number of animals used and refining the procedures used in order to minimise suffering). The objective is to ensure that the high quality research carried out on laboratory animals within its departments is conducted humanely. And only when there is no alternative.
In order for students to gain knowledge and understanding of physiological processes undergraduate practical classes in a small number of degree schemes may involve animal dissection and studies on preparations made from the tissues of freshly killed animals.
Web links:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/animal-testing/
Created 10/08/2005