Some procedures on animals can be carried out without a personal licence, and this includes humanely killing an animal using a “Schedule 1 method”. Although this does not require a personal licence, the animal must be killed by a “competent person”. The competency of those carrying our Schedule 1 killing is assured by them undergoing specific training (Module K, theory), and then being assessed as being competent (Module K, skills) for the particular techniques and species to be used. Training of personal licence holders includes the content of Module K, and once you have undergone practical training, you may be certified as competent, just as you would be for other techniques.
Each establishment must maintain a list of those people competent to kill different species of animals using particular Schedule 1 methods.
It is important to note that personal licence and project licence authorisation is required if an animal undergoes any regulated procedure before it is killed by a schedule 1 method, or the animal undergoes killing which is defined as a regulated procedure because killing does not comply with Schedule 1, including the requirement for confirmation of death.
An animal is only considered dead when there is permanent cessation of the circulation or destruction of the brain. Death can also be confirmed by dislocation of the neck, exsanguination, instantaneous destruction of the body in a macerator or by waiting for the onset of rigor mortis. Once an animal is dead then tissues or other material can be taken for scientific purposes without the need for specific authorisation under A(SP)A.