Animal Procedures Committee

The 'Animal Procedures Committee advises the British Home Secretary on matters related to animal experimentation in the UK. It was legislated for by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (the Act), which mandates that it should have at least 12 members, excluding the chair. There are currently 19 members.

Composition of members

The Act stipulates that at least two-thirds of the members have full registration as medical practitioners or veterinary surgeons, or that they be qualified in a relevant biological subject; that one member be a barrister, solicitor or advocate; that at least half of the membership must not have held an animal-testing licence during the last six years; and that the interests of animal welfare should be adequately represented.

There is normally an academic philosopher on the committee, although this is not required by the Act. The current philosopher member is Dr. Stephen R.L. Clerk of the University of Liverpool.

Members are appointed for terms of up to 4 years and may be re-appointed once. Apart from the Chair, members receive no renumeration, except for expenses. [1]