Animal Experiments: Stray and Feral Animals

This note addresses the concerns expressed by some that transposition of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, as proposed by the Government, would result in lost or stray pets being used in experiments.

The Directive does not allow the use of stray or feral animals in experiments unless there is an essential need for studies concerning the health and welfare of the animals or serious threats to the environment or to human or animal health, and there is scientific justification for the procedure.

The RSPCA is of the view that transposition unchanged of the relevant Article will not result in any change to the current situation in the UK.