| Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 | ||||
|
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 came into force on 1 January 1987 and makes provision for the protection of animals used for experimental or other scientific purposes in the United Kingdom. It replaced the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 and implements the requirements of the European Directive 86/609/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental or other scientific purposes. A consolidated version of the 1986 Act is at Appendix A. 1.2 The Act is administered in England, Scotland and Wales by the Home Office, and in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety of the Northern Ireland Office. Where the Guidance speaks of "the Secretary of State", "the Home Office" or the "Animal Procedures Section" it means, in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety. SCOPE AND STRUCTURE OF GUIDANCE 1.3 This Guidance is issued under the terms of Section 21(1) of the Act. It provides information about the manner in which the Secretaries of State for the Home Department and for Northern Ireland propose to exercise their powers under the Act. It replaces the first edition published in 1990, which had become dated by changes both to the Act and to the way it is operated. 1.4 The Guidance has been issued following consultation with the Animal Procedures Committee as required by Section 21(3) of the Act. 1.5 The Guidance provides information and advice on:
1.6 Reference material is provided as appendices or as citations in the main body of the Guidance. 1.7 Unless otherwise stated, all references to "the Act" mean the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as amended. References to particular provisions of the Act are denoted in square brackets - for example [Section 1(1)]. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1.8 Further information about how the legislation and the administrative controls apply to specific circumstances, and on developments since this Guidance was published, can be obtained from the Home Office and may be displayed on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ccpd/aps.htm. 1.9 Additional information relating to the operation of the Act can be found in the annual "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals" and the annual reports of the Animal Procedures Committee, published by The Stationery Office (formerly HMSO). The Animal Procedures Committee website is http://www.apc.gov.uk. 1.10 While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this Guidance is accurate and complete, the reader is urged to check the Home Office websites for relevant updates and to seek advice before taking decisions based on this guidance. Members of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate and other civil servants at the Home Office can advise on the preparation of applications for new or amended licences or certificates, and on the interpretation of technical and administrative matters.
| ||||
