ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2002 - SECT 9

ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2002 - SECT 9

9 .         Matters to be considered

        (1)         The Minister must not issue or renew a licence to use animals for scientific purposes unless the Minister is satisfied that —

            (a)         the scientific establishment either —

                  (i)         has an animal ethics committee; or

                  (ii)         has made arrangements for the animal ethics committee for another scientific establishment to act as its animal ethics committee;

                and

            (b)         the scientific establishment complies with, and will continue to comply with, the scientific use code.

        (2)         When considering an application for the issue or renewal of a licence the Minister is to have regard to —

            (a)         whether the applicant and the applicant’s staff are experienced and competent —

                  (i)         in the case of a licence to use animals for scientific purposes, in using animals for scientific purposes; and

                  (ii)         in all cases, in caring for and handling animals of the kind to be used or supplied;

                and

            (b)         whether the applicant has, or any of the applicant’s staff or students have, been convicted of an offence under this Act in the previous 3 years; and

            (c)         whether a licence held by the applicant has ever been suspended or revoked or the applicant has ever been disqualified from holding a licence; and

            (d)         whether the welfare, safety and health of the animals is adequately protected; and

            (e)         any prescribed matters; and

            (f)         whether, in all other respects, the Minister considers it appropriate for the applicant to hold the licence.