Constituents have contacted me about human-specific research techniques.

You will be reassured to know that the Government actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs), including those specific to humans. This is achieved primarily through funding for the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), which is organised through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) body. Since it was established, the NC3Rs has invested £77 million in research and almost £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme.

Furthermore, the NC3Rs has published its Non-Animal Technologies Roadmap, a vision and strategy for non-animal technologies in the UK. It recommends policies such as a £1.6 million commitment for the development of a virtual dog to reduce the use of live dogs in the safety testing of new medicines. The Government is closely considering these policies as it develops its Chemical Strategy, which is due to be published soon.

Establishments, such as MBR Acres, that either breed dogs for use in science elsewhere or conduct regulated procedures on dogs are required to provide care and accommodation to those dogs in line with the published code of practice for that purpose. Adherence to that code of practice, and to all other standard conditions applied to any establishment licence, is assessed by the regulator as part of its compliance assurance programme.

Establishments breeding, supplying, or using dogs in science are contributing to critical activities to protect human health and advance scientific progress. They are operating legally within a regulatory framework that requires licensure and assessment of their compliance.

Fiona Bruce MP

1st February 2024