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Links

• Animal Procedures Committee (APC)
  This is an advisory, non-departmental public body established and appointed under the terms of Sections 19 and 20 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  Its role is to advise the Home Secretary on matters concerned with the Act and his functions under it, relating to any experimental or other scientific procedures applied to a protected animal which may have the effect of causing that animal pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm; and also, to examine other related subjects it considers worthy of further study.

• Bioscientific events
  Training organisation for licence holders with modular training courses in various species, NACWO training, refresher courses etc.

• Boyd Group
  The Boyd Group is a UK based forum for open exchange of views on issues of concern related to the use of animals in science.

  The group's objectives are to promote dialogue between diverse people and organisations and, where there is consensus, to recommend practical steps towards achieving common goals.

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  The health and welfare of animals is central to Defra's work of protecting and improving livestock and controlling and eradicating disease. Import conditions and applications forms to import have been revised and are now available at this address. There is a legal requirement to complete these forms if there is an intention to import.

• Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)
  FRAME considers that the current scale of animal experimentation is unacceptable. However, they also recognise that immediate abolition of all animal experiments is not possible.

  FRAME advocates the 3Rs approach to this dilemma. Their long-term goal is the total elimination of laboratory animal use, through the development, validation and acceptance of replacement alternative methods. Until this goal is reached, they also support efforts to reduce the numbers of animals used through better science and better experimental design, and to refine procedures so that the suffering of any animals necessarily used is minimised. FRAME seeks to promote a moderate, but nonetheless determined, approach, by encouraging a realistic consideration of the ethical and scientific issues involved and the widest possible adoption of the 3Rs.

  Various publications are available.

• Home Office licensing information
  The Government is committed to efficient and effective regulation. In December 2006, the Prime Minister announced a government-wide action plan aimed at reducing costs to business through better regulation. This comprises separate 'Simplification Plans' for each central Government Department, including the Home Office.

  The Home Office will post and regularly update options and proposals for improved regulation which can be found on its website. The above link takes you directly to the Home Office website which deals with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

• Institute of Animal Technology (IAT)
  The Animal Technicians Association was formed at the 3rd Laboratory Animals Bureau Congress in 1950. The organisation made the first significant move to attain proper recognition of the essential contribution to science of those employed to care for laboratory animals.

  The Association developed training courses for animal technicians, produced publications and introduced examinations which were the forerunner of today's internationally recognised qualifications.

  In 1965 the AA was granted Institute status. Twenty one years later, to reflect its enhanced objectives and wider sphere of activities, the Institute of Animal Technicians became the Institute of Animal Technology and adopted armorial bearings (coat of arms).

  As the foremost professional body in the field, their major objectives are illustrated by their motto 'curando docemus' which reflects the caring and educational role of the Institute.

  By their activities they continue to advance and promote excellence in technology and the practice of laboratory animal care and welfare.

  In education they make provision for animal technicians, technologists and others professionally engaged in the field of animal science to receive appropriate training and qualifications, thus ensuring that they may contribute to advancing standards of laboratory animal welfare at home and abroad.

  The University has corporate membership of the IAT.

• Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)
  LASA was founded in 1963 by a group of people from industry, universities, government ministries and representatives of the research councils. Their aim was to establish an organisation which provided information and a forum for ideas on the science of animals used in research.

  LASA aims to inform its members about the latest developments in the 3Rs, and provides a means whereby information on improved procedures and techniques can be circulated throughout the scientific community.The University has institutional membership of LASA.

• Laboratory Animal Veterinary Association (LAVA)
  LAVA's members are veterinary surgeons involved in a wide range of aspects of laboratory animal medicine and science. Many members act as Named Veterinary Surgeons under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

• National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs)
  NC3Rs replaces and builds upon the MRC Centre for Best Practice for Animals in Research (see above) and is dedicated to replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals in research and testing licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

• The new European Union Directive 2010/63/EU

  The new European Directive 2010/63/EU (to replace EU 86/609) was finalised and came into force across the EU in November 2010. Member States have two years to transpose it into their national systems of legislation. Full implementation of the Directive then starts in January 2013. The above link takes you directly into this new animal research legislation where you can find out how it will affect you.

  Please also see Understanding Animal Research for further information on the EU Directive 2010/63/EU.

• Understanding Animal Research (UAR)
  RDS, a British lobby group, merged with the Coalition for Medical Progress (2008) to form the new organisation Understanding Animal Research (UAR). UAR's main aims are to "achieve understanding and acceptance of the need for humane animal research in the UK." The UAR provides information on policy issues including the EU Directive 2010/63.

  Individuals can now join UAR as Associates, and do not have to pay.  This can be done by visiting the website. All Associates receive a monthly electronic newsletter and may also sign up for alerts when important events happen.

• Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
  Since its humble beginning in 1824 - as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.

  The RSPCA's influence covers the whole range of animal protection. The Society is involved in practical welfare, law enforcement as well as high-profile campaigning and education. It employs veterinary experts and consultants in the care and treatment of farm livestock, wildlife, domestic pets and animals used in research.

  It produces over 200 publications as part of its drive to inform and educate people about animal welfare.

• Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
  The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an independent registered charity that works to develop and promote improvements in the welfare of all animals through scientific and educational activity worldwide. Throughout its history its work has primarily been funded by donations, subscriptions and legacies. Grants and awards are available to support a wide range of project types.