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Around 3,000 non-human primates (mostly marmosets and macaques) are used in research and testing in the UK every year. Much of this is to develop or test the safety and effectiveness of medicines and vaccines, but they are also used in biological research, for example, in studies into brain function and behaviour.
Primates are highly intelligent, social animals with complex behaviour. They are biologically very close to humans, a fact that the users of primates argue makes them ideal 'models' for research into disorders that affect humans. However, this also means that they can suffer in a similar way to humans and there is no question that primates have the capacity to experience pain and distress. It is also generally accepted that primates experience a range of negative emotions, such as anxiety, apprehension, fear, frustration, boredom and mental distress, as well as positive emotions such as interest, pleasure, happiness and excitement.
For these reasons, the use of primates in scientific research and testing is a matter of extreme concern to the RSPCA. The leaflet Primates in research and testing sets out key facts relating to the use of primates, our ethical and welfare concerns and our actions to help primates.
The RSPCA works to help primates in three main ways:
challenging the need and justification for primate use
reducing suffering during transport and procedures
improving husbandry and care while primate use continues
Challenging the need and justification for primate use
Governments, industry, scientists and research funders worldwide should accept the need to end primate use as a legitimate and essential goal. They must work together internationally to define a strategy to achieve the complete replacement of all experiments on non-human primates with humane alternatives
At the recent 5th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (August 2005) the world's leading animal protection organisations united behind this global call with a resolution initiated by the RSPCA.
Far more critical evaluation of the scientific need for, and justification of primate use on a case by case basis is essential
The RSPCA's concerns about primate use were comprehensively set out in our evidence to a working group set up in 2005 by the Academy of Medical Sciences / Medical Research Council / Royal Society / Wellcome Trust, to look into the validity and possible future uses of primates in research.
When this working group subsequently published their findings [The Weatherall Report], the RSPCA made a formal written response.
Useful links
The Boyd Group report on:
The use of nonhuman primates in research and testing (2002)
The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) report on:
The use of primates in research and testing (2002)
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| photo © Jane Cooper |
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Import and trade
Some 1,500 captive-bred primates are imported into the UK for research purposes annually...
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Housing and care
For as long as primates are still used, the RSPCA strives to ensure higher standards of housing and care in the UK and abroad...
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