MODULE 1: ANIMAL ETHICS, REGULATION & IN VIVO BEHAVIOURAL MODELS
1. UK Legal Framework & Licensing (ASPA 1986)
The Act: Regulated via the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and updated by European Directive 2010/63/EU (enacted in the UK in 2013). Banned completely for cosmetic testing.
Scope: Covers all living vertebrates (e.g., mice, rats, fish, birds) and living cephalopods.
Definition of a "Procedure": Any experimental act that may cause an animal a level of pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm equivalent to or greater than the introduction of a hypodermic needle.
The 3 Mandatory Licences Required:
2. The 3 R's Principle
1. What is the main purpose of a Personal Licence in the UK animal research framework?
2. Why does the 3Rs principle require researchers to choose replacement, reduction, or refinement whenever possible in animal research?
3. What does the rodent open field test primarily measure?
UK animal ethics law
Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulates animal research.
Directive 2010/63/EU
EU law updated animal research regulation, enacted in UK 2013.
Regulated animals
Vertebrates and cephalopods are covered; invertebrates like C. elegans are excluded.
Procedure definition
Any act likely causing pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm above a needle threshold.
Three licences required
Establishment (PEL), project (PPL), individual (PIL).
Cosmetic testing ban
Complete ban under UK animal research framework.
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