The use of animals in scientific procedures is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which requires a three-level licensing system - personal licence, project licence and establishment licence.

Granting licences
Under the 1986 Act, project licences are only granted for specified permissible purposes where:

• there is no suitable alternative which would avoid using animals,
• the benefits of the project outweigh the effects on the animals, and
• the number of animals involved must be minimised and they must be treated in a humane manner and any suffering minimised as far as possible.

Training requirements
It is a Home Office requirement that all applicants must have completed a minimum of Module 1 and Module 5 before applying for a project licence. More information on these as well as a training calendar can be found here

Relevant information
Applicants are strongly advised to read the following documents before starting to complete the licence application forms.

Relevant guidance on the operation act
Guidance on the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

Animals Act 1986
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

Codes of practice relating to the care and housing of laboratory animals
Code of Practice - for the housing and care of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes
Code of Practice - the housing of animals in designated breeding and supplying establishments (archived)

Use, continued use and re-use of animals
Use, continued use and re-use of animals

Common project application failings
Common project application failings

Standard conditions
Project licence standard conditions