Bird Ecology and Conservation A Handbook of Techniques

Department of Conservation. In Australia, permits must be obtained from the
State and Territory conservation authorities.

9.2.3Legal considerations—scientific experiments on birds

In the United Kingdom, experiments on animals are regulated by The Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which is administered by the Home Office. The
Act itself is quite short but there is extensive Guidance on the Operation of the
Act (Figure 9.1). This, and the Application Forms for the different licences
required, can be obtained from the Home Office website—www.homeoffice.
gov.uk/animalsinsp/reference/index.htm
The Act regulates any experimental or other scientific procedure applied to
a “protected animal” that may have the effect of causing that animal pain, suffering,
distress, or lasting harm. The Act requires that, before any regulated procedure is

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Designated establishment

Home Office

Certificate holder

Project license holder Ethical review process

Named Veterinary

Surgeon

Named Animal Care

& Welfare Officer

Personal license holder Animal technicians

Animals undergoing

procedures

Accountability

Advice

Fig. 9.1Operation of The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act in the
United Kingdom.