An update to the UK Code of Practice
The UK Code of Practice for animal research is being updated in June 2026, a timely opportunity to refresh your understanding of what it requires and why it matters.
Core Module Courses
Blog
Knowledge Base Articles
PIL Standard Condition 13
You must report any unexpected adverse effects or potential breaches of severity limits to the Project Licence Holder immediately. Effective communication, confident severity assessment, and early action ensure compliance with Standard Condition 13, protect animal welfare, and maintain the integrity of regulated scientific work.
PIL Standard Condition 8
You must act immediately if an animal is in severe, unrelievable pain or distress. You must monitor animals closely, use clear welfare indicators, and be competent (or have support available) to perform humane killing to prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure compliance with A(SP)A.
PIL Standard Condition 7
You must prevent animals from dying unexpectedly on study by using early, humane endpoints instead of allowing death as the endpoint.
PIL Standard Condition 22
If the Secretary of State or ASRU requests the surrender or suspension of your licence, you must stop all activities immediately.
PIL Standard Condition 21
If an inspector from ASRU or a European Commission expert visits the facility to check how animals are being used and cared for in research facilities, the licence holder must help them with whatever they need to do their job.