ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the basic facts about the use of animals in research and provides an overview of the legislation that is in place in the UK. The UK legislation relating to the use of animals in biomedical research is the 1986 Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. This is a very strict piece of legislation that tightly controls the way living vertebrate animals are used in research, while still enabling important biomedical research to continue in a productive manner. The regulations are continually reviewed, and additional policies introduced as and when they are needed. A named animal care and welfare officer (NACWO) is appointed, who is responsible for the day-to-day care of the animals that are involved in each regulated procedure, or are being used within the establishment, for example, breeding animals. The NACWO liaises very closely with the project licence holder on the design and progress of the experiments, and the nature of the procedures.
