Following the release of the Home Office Animals in Science Regulation Unit Annual Report for 2012, the Kennel Club is disappointed to hear that there was an increase in the number of dogs being used in scientific experiments in 2012, but is pleased that the revised legislation maintains stricter UK standards and offers special protection for dogs, cats and horses.

The Home Office statistics released yesterday showed that while there was a decrease in the use of certain species in scientific procedures, the total number of dogs increased by 6% to 4,843 in 2012.

The number of living animals used in scientific procedures increased by 8% from 2011 to total 4.11 million animals in 2012. This rise was mainly attributed to an increased use of genetically modified animals and animals carrying harmful mutations.

The Kennel Club regularly attends the Animal Welfare and Alternatives Stakeholder meetings at the Home Office, where discussions have centred on guidance progress, operational issues and the revision of Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations 2012, which currently prohibits the disclosure of any information.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are disheartened to hear that there has been an increase in the number of dogs used, and will continue to lobby for the revised legislation to offer more protection for dogs and work towards maintaining the UK’s high level of welfare standards.

“The Kennel Club will continue to ensure that the welfare of dogs is represented in the Animal Welfare and Alternatives Stakeholder meetings and reflected in any decision made.”

EU Directive 2010/63/EU was finalised and came into force across the EU in November 2010, effectively as a revision of the UK’s current Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). The UK and the rest of the Member States have had time to transpose the Directive into their respective national legislation and full implementation of the Directive in the UK began in January 2013.

For more information on the Home Office Statistics, click here