Welfare of Animals in Psychology

Statement of Policy on the Use of Animals in Psychology

1. Recognising that animals* are currently used for psychological purposes, including research, teaching and therapy, the Society seeks to further their welfare.
2. Members of the Society take differing views about the merits of animal research in psychology. Some are opposed in principle, others believe such research has made a vital contribution to human and animal welfare in the past and will continue to do so. Recognising this absence of consensus, the Society seeks to sustain a constructive discussion between these viewpoints.
3. The Society endorses the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement: that animals should only be used when there are no alternatives to their use; that the number of animals used in procedures causing pain or distress should be minimised; and that the severity of such procedures should also be minimised.
4. The Society also endorses and would wish to foster an attitude of responsibility towards animals used in a psychological context from their birth to death.
5. All use of animals in psychological research must be consistent with the relevant legislation and its accompanying guidance documents, primarily, in the UK, the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986.
6. The Society is particularly concerned that in all psychological use of animals, the benefits to humans and / or animals should clearly outweigh the costs to the animal(s) involved.
7. The Society has prepared a set of ethical guidelines for the psychologists working with animals, and expects all members to abide by them.
8. Failure to abide by the relevant legislation or the Society’s ethical guidelines will constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct which applies to all Members including Chartered Psychologists.
9. The Society will not accept for publication in its journals primary reports of research using animals in a way that is inconsistent with relevant legislation or the Society’s ethical guidelines.
10. This policy will apply to any psychological work involving animals (see 1 above) even when that work has a wider focus that includes other disciplines.
11. In furtherance of this policy, the Society’s Research Board has established a Standing Advisory Committee on the Welfare of Animals in Psychology.