Library:Statistics of scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain during 2022 (report)
Statistics of scientific procedures on living animals, Great Britain: 2022 in a report by the Office of National Statistics in the United Kingdom. It provides statistics on scientific procedures performed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in Great Britain in 2022. It covers experimental procedures and procedures for creation and breeding of genetically altered animals, for basic research, applied research, regulatory testing and other purposes.
Summary
In 2022, there were 2.76 million scientific procedures involving living animals carried out in Great Britain, which is a 10% decrease compared to the previous year and the lowest number since 2002. Experimental procedures accounted for 55% of all procedures, and the majority of procedures used mice, fish, birds, or rats. Specially protected species such as cats, dogs, horses, and non-human primates were used in 0.97% of experimental procedures.
Key points
- 2.76 million scientific procedures involving living animals were carried out in Great Britain in 2022, a 10% decrease from the previous year.
- 59% of experimental procedures used mice, followed by 14% using fish, 12% using rats, and 8.9% using birds.
- 0.97% of experimental procedures involved specially protected species (cats, dogs, horses, and non-human primates).
- The majority (96%) of procedures used mice, fish, birds, or rats, which have been the most commonly used species for over a decade. Around half (53%) of experimental procedures were for basic research, with the nervous system, immune system, and cancer being the top research areas.
- Experimental procedures decreased by 12% (1.51 million) and procedures for creation and breeding creation and breeding of genetically altered (GA) animals decreased by 6% (1.25 million) compared to 2021.
- 86% of creation and breeding procedures were for mice, and 13% were for fish.
The report also provides information on the primary purpose and severity of the experimental procedures. Around half (53%) of experimental procedures were for basic research, mainly on the nervous system, the immune system and cancer. The other main purposes were translational and applied research (23%), regulatory use and routine production (17%), protection of the natural environment (4%) and education and training (3%).
The severity of experimental procedures was assessed by comparing the actual harm experienced by the animals with their normal state of health. The report shows that 41% of experimental procedures were mild, 32% were moderate, 15% were severe and 12% were non-recovery.
The report also includes ad hoc data on non-human primates used in experimental procedures for the first time, as requested by stakeholders. The data show that there were 2,055 such procedures in 2022, involving 1,569 animals. Most of these procedures (86%) used macaques and the main purpose was basic research (63%).
The statistics are based on returns from project licence holders who are required to record and report all scientific procedures involving living animals. The Home Office assures the quality and accuracy of the data through various checks and audits.
The statistics are intended to inform public debate and policy making on the use of animals in scientific research. They are also used to monitor trends and compliance with national and international legislation and guidelines.