About us
Animals Scientific Procedures Division
Animals Scientific Procedures Division (ASPD) is part of the Home Office Science and Research Group.
Our responsibilities
We are responsible for policy on the use of living animals in scientific procedures and for the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Act in England, Scotland and Wales. (The 1986 Act is administered in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.)
We aim to maintain the balance required by the 1986 Act between the interests of science and industry and animal welfare.
ASPD Licensing Team
From 1 November 2003, all Home Office functions and responsibilities for matters relating to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were amalgamated to form the Animals Scientific Procedures Division (ASPD).
Our administrative staff operate the licensing system on behalf of the Home Secretary; our work includes:
-
processing applications for new licences and certificates
-
amending existing authorities
-
revoking licences when necessary
We processes about 10,000 licence applications and amendments each year. Licensing work is carried out at five regional offices located at Cambridge, Dundee, London, Shrewsbury and Swindon.
ASPD Policy Team
We also provide policy support to Home Office Ministers, including the preparation of responses to Parliamentary Questions, letters from Members of Parliament seeking advice on matters raised by their constituents (Ministers' Cases) and public correspondence relating to the use of animals in scientific procedures.
