Animal Experiments

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) is the UK’s framework governing the use of animals in research. ASPA enables the limited use of animals in science for societal, environmental or animal benefit. It provides a strict system of controls, rigorously and robustly enforced by the GB Regulator, to ensure animals are only used where necessary and where the expected benefits justify the harms. The Government has also published a Code of Practice to promote good animal welfare through the provision of consistent, high-quality care and accommodation for animals used in science.

The Government undertakes a range of measures to continually enhance protections for animals in science. The responsible Minister regularly commissions the independent Animals in Science Committee (ASC) to provide advice on improving animal protections, and the Government carefully considers and implements the Committee’s recommendations to strengthen the regulatory framework. For example, the Government has recently welcomed ASC advice on the use of non-human primates in science and has accepted its recommendations. The ASC has also provided advice on strengthening the uptake of leading practice in animal protections across the science sector, which the Government is reviewing.

Longer term, the Government is fully committed to replacing the use of animals in science in all but exceptional circumstances. In November 2025, the Government published, Replacing animals in science which sets a programme to accelerate the development, validation, and uptake of alternative methods while maintaining high standards of scientific rigour and public safety.