Policy Issues
Across the world governments regulate the use of animals in research in many different ways. The UK was the first country in the world to protect research animals, through a law in 1876. This was introduced even before there were any laws to protect children.
In general the laws seek to strike a balance between scientific/medical progress and animal welfare. Over time, the laws in some countries have become quite complex, and encompass many different themes.
The following are some of the major areas of policy which relate to animal research:
- Achieving a comprehensive and balanced regulatory system
- Better regulation and administrative burden
- European legislation
- Freedom of information
- Animal rights extremism
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Quick Facts
- The first law to protect animals was in 1876.
- Generally, regulations seek to balance animal welfare and scientific/medical benefit.
- Animal rights extremism is now abating in the UK but rising in many other countries.
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