The majority of animal procedures undertaken over the last three years for Defence research were performed by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down.
Dstl Porton Down submits annual returns to the Home Office detailing the number of procedures undertaken which involve the use of animals as defined in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
In the years 2005 to 2007, the annual returns to the Home Office, broken down by species are detailed in the following table.
G.Pig Ferret Mouse Pig Rabbit Rat Sheep Non-human primates Total 2005 661 60 20,016 127 3 195 2 54 21,118 2006 545 0 15,986 123 0 335 4 52 17,045 2007 647 0 17,095 74 5 359 2 75 18,257
In addition, testing on live goats took place at QinetiQ Alverstone as part of MOD's Submarine Escape and Abandonment System (SMERAS). 64 procedures were carried out in 2005 and 60 procedures were carried out on a herd of approximately 40 goats until November 2006 when animal procedures stopped.
The Department is currently undertaking research into defence medical countermeasures, combat casualty care and trauma assessment programmes, which by necessity involve the use of animal procedures.
The following table shows the numbers and types of animals kept at public expense in each of the armed services:
Royal Navy Army Royal Air Force Military working dogs 0 165 292 Birds of prey 16 0 0 Horses 0 489 0
For military working dogs, Army data are at 1 August 2008 (the latest date this information was captured). All other data are at 12 December 2008.
Regimental or unit mascots may be partially funded at public expense. However, many of them are funded to a varying degree from regimental funds in addition to the public purse. The Army currently has the following mascots: two Drum horses; one Indian Black Buck; one Irish Wolfhound; two Mountain goats; two Swalesdale rams; and three Shetland ponies. Neither the RN nor the RAF has any mascots.