The BSAVA adopts the BVA Policy Statement on Animal Research and uses the following BSAVA guidelines on animal research:

The BSAVA recognises that great advances have been made possible in some areas of biological knowledge only as a result of research using animals and that future essential studies will only be possible through continued involvement in animal research. As such the Association accepts that it is not possible to ban the use of animals in scientific research in the foreseeable future, but stresses that where such research occurs the following points must be ensured:

• There are no alternatives available that do not involve animals
• The aims and the objectives of the research are carefully considered before considering the use of animals and that the number of animals to be used is kept to the absolute minimum to achieve these aims and objectives.
• The welfare of the animals is paramount and there should be no severe or prolonged pain or distress.

Where there is pain or stress from the procedure or other extraneous cause, then suitable anaesthesia, analgesia or other measures compatible with current veterinary practice should be used to alleviate the pain, distress or suffering. Otherwise, euthanasia should be carried out immediately. This should be done whether or not the aims and the objectives of the research have been met. Only in very exceptional circumstances should this be waived and then only by prior authorisation of the Secretary of State.
All premises, where research takes place, and people responsible for the research should be rigidly controlled and monitored, and there should be adequate and readily available veterinary supervision for all animals involved in experiments, including breeding.

Except in isolated circumstances, all animals should be specifically bred for use in research and lawfully acquired. The use of family pets and strays should never be allowed. Captured wild animals should only be used when there are no suitable, specifically bred animals. Great consideration must be given to their welfare, their suitability for the experiment and the conservation aspects of that particular species. The use of animals to gain manual surgical skills should be minimal and, except in very exceptional circumstances authorised by the Home Office, the animals should not be allowed to recover.

Only in very rare circumstances, when there are no other means available, should animals be used for teaching scientific principles.

Additionally, the use of animals should be limited to certain acceptable purposes. These are:
• Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease of man, animals and plants.
• The assessment, detection and diagnosis of physiological conditions including breeding of animals.
• The testing of substances which ultimately would be used or useful in the treatment of disease in animals or man.
• Protection of the environment.
• Advancement of biological knowledge.
• Certain educational and training purposes

The BSAVA accepts that providing these various points and procedures are met, animals may be used for research investigations. However, the BSAVA strongly welcomes developments that reduce the number of animals employed and, more specifically, provide suitable and acceptable replacements for the use of animals in research.

Approval:  BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 22 (Animal Research) 1999.
Recent update: May 2006