About the Animal Procedures Committee

The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body established and appointed under the terms of sections 19 and 20 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Our role is to advise the Home Secretary on matters concerned with the Act and his functions under it, relating to any experimental or other scientific procedures applied to a protected animal which may have the effect of causing that animal pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm; and also, to examine other related subjects we consider worthy of further study.

Membership of the Committee reflects a wide range of views on animal use, from those who use animals in scientific experiments to those who oppose such use. All members of the committee do, however, share a common concern for the welfare of the animals bred for or used in scientific procedures, and in considering any matter, will have regard both to the legitimate requirements of science and industry and to the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use in scientific procedures.

• The Work of The Committee
  The work of the Committee is split between reactive (for instance, when we look at certain licence applications, infringements, scientific developments and exposés) and pro-active (for example, advising on policy and practice).

• Current Work Programme