The Animals in Science Committee (ASC) is an independent public body responsible for providing impartial, balanced and objective advice to the Home Office minister on matters related to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
Since it is an independent body, the committee can also determine which areas of animal use it wishes to consider. It issues periodic reports of its activities which are published on the Home Office web site .
One of the other roles of the committee is to consider Project licences involving specific techniques. At present, these include:
- The use of non-human primates, dogs, cats and horses in severe procedures;
- The use of wild-caught non-human primates;
- Some projects involving animals containing human material;
- Projects that raise contentious issues, for example, those requiring special consideration under the EU Directive, or with major animal welfare or ethical implications.
The committee also shares information with other national committees in EU member states and provides advice to UK Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies.
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