The use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes
The use of live animals in scientific research and other experimental activity is strictly controlled in accordance with the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, as amended by the European Communities (Amendment of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876) Regulations 2002 & 2005 (see below under additional legislation).
Under the Act, experiments on live animals can only be performed by persons licensed by the Minister for Health and Children and in premises registered for that purpose. The Act, as amended:
- restricts the use of animals in experiments;
- provides general requirements for the care and accommodation of experimental animals;
- provides standards for breeding, supplying and user establishments;
- and provides that an experiment shall not be performed if another scientifically satisfactory method of obtaining the result sought, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available.
It is policy in Ireland not to licence any experimental activity using live animals for testing of cosmetics.
It is the practice in Ireland not to licence experiments involving the use of primates
Additional Legislation
Forms
You can find forms related the application for licences for the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes here.
Statistics
You can find Statistical Information on the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes here
