About us
Animal Procedures Committee
The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) is an independent body set up under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary and the Department of Health, Social Security and Public Safety Northern Ireland Assembly Minister on matters concerned with the 1986 Act and their functions under it.
Ministers may seek advice from the Animal Procedures Committee, or other independent assessors when they are assessing whether to license a particular piece of work. They may also refer other matters to the Committee. The APC may also consider topics of its own choosing.
The committee is required by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to have regard both to the legitimate requirements of science and industry and the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use. Each year, the Committee makes a report on its activities which is published by The Stationery Office.
Who sits on the committee
Excluding the Chairman, there must be a minimum of 12 members, one must be a lawyer and at least two thirds must be medical practitioners, veterinary surgeons or have qualifications or experience in a biological subject.
At least half of the members must not have held a licence to carry out procedures on animals within the last six years, and animal welfare interests must be adequately represented. All appointments to the Animal Procedures Committee are announced publicly.
For further information please refer to the Animal Procedures Committee (new window) website.
