The ethics of research involving animals - Nuffield Council on ...

T h e e t h i c s o f r e s e a r c h i n v o l v i n g a n i m a l s
Further to the requirement implied in this statement, some members <strong>of</strong> the Working Party would
like to see formal provisions in place which ensure that <strong>research</strong> and testing, both nationally and
internationally, is always carried out in accordance with the least-severe protocols, in order to
minimise harm to <strong>animals</strong> used in <strong>research</strong>. <strong>The</strong>y would also welcome the introduction <strong>of</strong>
regulations that would prevent UK <strong>research</strong>ers from importing or outsourcing <strong>research</strong> or
<strong>research</strong> products that it would not be possible to obtain in the UK. Other members <strong>of</strong> the group,
while welcoming the aspiration behind such proposals, have reservations about their
appropriateness and feasibility. Members also differ in their views as to whether UK-based
<strong>research</strong> is being driven abroad because <strong>of</strong> the current, or likely future, regulatory provisions and
practice. Despite these disagreements, all members <strong>of</strong> the Working Party emphasise that
maintaining high standards in the UK has the potential to continue to influence regulations
positively elsewhere. At the same time, the provisions <strong>of</strong> the A(SP)A and their implementation
also need to be reviewed regularly in the context <strong>of</strong> national and international developments in
policy and public debate (paragraphs 15.88–15.91).
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