Training
Legal requirements
Certificate holders and administrative staff involved with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 need to be familiar with the legal framework within which they carry out their duties.
Familiarisation with legal requirements
They should also have some awareness of the ethical issues involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes. Such personnel would derive considerable benefit from completing Module 1.
Appropriate training in more advanced techniques is strongly recommended when seeking major extensions to licence authorities. The Home Office inspector should be consulted about the need for further training in these circumstances.
Certificate holders of designated establishments should consider setting up mechanisms for updating licensees on a regular basis on development, for example, in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, anaesthesia, the law and ethics. Methods of reduction, refinement and replacement can also be addressed within such a system.
Certificate holders should note carefully their responsibility under the conditions of the certificate to ensure that a person competent to kill animals humanely is available. Those involved in killing animals by methods listed in Schedule 1 of the Act and others carrying out non-regulated procedures using live animals need to be aware of the ethical issues involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes. They need also to be familiar with good husbandry and handling practices and with local arrangements for matters such as security, animal acquisition, disposal and safety. Certificate holders could largely meet their responsibilities in these matters by requiring such personnel to complete Modules 1 and 2.
Further information
The syllabus set out in the Annex is not exhaustive and course organisers should feel able to include any other topics which they consider relevant in the particular circumstances. The elements of each module are those which the Home Office believe to be necessary for the proper instruction of those who will be responsible for using animals in scientific procedures. The modular and practical nature of the training programme allows considerable flexibility in the planning of courses and training can be achieved in a variety of ways, via lectures, tutorials and discussions, videos, films and reading. Formal courses may be a convenient way of achieving the necessary objectives, but may not provide the flexibility necessary in some situations.
The importance of practical experience within the training programme needs to be emphasised. As this experience precedes the granting of a licence, it must be limited to basic handling, husbandry and non-regulated procedures.
Organisers of training programmes may wish to consult the Named Veterinary Surgeon and [Named Animal Care & Welfare Officer] in the establishment during the development of their programmes. Home Office inspectors are available to offer any further advice required.
