Section B7: Scientific Procedures on Live Animals
Purpose and Effect
This Section reserves the use of live animals for experimental or other scientific purposes.
General
Regulation of the use of live animals for experimental or other scientific purposes is covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The law regulating the use of viable tissues or organs of animals for transplantation into humans is dealt with elsewhere and is also reserved - see Section J2 (Xenotransplantation).
Matters relating to animal health and welfare generally are the subject of separate legislation, such as, the Animal Health Act 1981. These matters are not reserved.
Parliamentary Consideration
| Stage | Date | Column |
|---|---|---|
| CC | 30-Mar-98 | 958 |
| LC | 23-Jul-98 | 1080 |
Details of Provisions
The subject-matter of the 1986 Act is reserved. This Act makes it an offence for a person to carry out a procedure on an animal which may cause the animal pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, unless the procedure is conducted by a person who is licensed to carry out that procedure and it is carried out as part of a programme of work for which there is a project licence. In addition the Act regulates the premises where such work can be carried out and makes provision for the breeding of animals for experimental or other scientific purposes. The Act also makes provision for the appointment of Inspectors and for a Committee, known as the Animal Procedures Committee.