Animal Welfare Act 2002

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

the scientific establishment either —

has an animal ethics committee; or

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

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

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

whether the applicant and the applicant’s staff are experienced and competent —

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

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

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

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

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

any prescribed matters; and

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