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<p>Animal welfare is at the forefront of any decision to use animals in research,
and the Regulator requires robust evidence that the research complies fully with the
principles of the 3Rs (replacement, refinement and reduction). In addition, Inspectors
require a justification for the use of non-human primates, setting out what results
they contribute to the project that no other animal could provide.</p><p>Applications
which involve head and/or body restraint and/or fluid and/or food restriction also
require particular explanation and justification as to why those techniques are needed
and how they can be refined to reduce suffering. The Home Office regulator considers
every application, including the associated severity assessment, for a project licence
on a case by case basis.</p><p>Home Office Inspectors, all with veterinary or medical
qualifications, conduct a harm-benefit analysis to ensure that any harm that may be
caused to animals is justified by the potential benefits. The regulator has published
operational guidance, detailing how project licence applications are assessed, and
further advice on how the harm-benefit analysis process applies to all project licence
assessments.</p>
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