UK regulations on research using animals

Animal research in the UK is strictly regulated.

The laws on research using animals are set out in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, or ‘ASPA’.

The Home Office enforces the laws, including regulations on housing, environment, welfare, care, and health.

Permission to work with animals is granted by the Home Office by licence only under very specific conditions. The Home Office has an inspection system to ensure that rules are not violated.

The Home Office provides information about the regulations governing research using animals: see the links on the right.