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Guidelines on primate accommodation, care and use

A small proportion of research funded by the NC3Rs, BBSRC, MRC, Royal Society, Wellcome Trust and other AMRC charities involves the use of non-human primates. The funding bodies recognise concerns about the use of non-human primates in research, and the difficulties associated with meeting the environmental, behavioural and social needs of these highly intelligent animals in a laboratory environment. To help address these important issues, the NC3Rs, in partnership with the funding bodies, has produced guidelines on primate accommodation, care and use (PDF, 377KB).

Implementation of the principles in the guidelines is a condition of funding for research involving primates conducted in the UK and abroad which is funded by the NC3Rs, BBSRC, MRC, Royal Society, Wellcome Trust or other AMRC charities. The guidelines complement the peer review process for grant applications involving primates, which takes into account welfare considerations, implementation of the 3Rs, and compliance with the guidelines, through the involvement of the NC3Rs.

Researchers (staff and grant holders) and their host establishments are responsible for applying the guidelines. It is recommended that the Ethical Review Process should be central to their implementation, given its role in ensuring high standards of animal accommodation, care and use.

If you would like a hard copy of the guidelines contact the NC3Rs at enquiries@nc3rs.org.uk