Other relevant legislation

A number of other Acts of Parliament set out controls to protect animal welfare. In some circumstances, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offence of cruelty under these pieces of legislation is not illegal if it is carried out lawfully under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986. However, protection for those engaged in scientific procedures ceases to apply where the treatment of an animal amounts to an act of cruelty and is not authorised by the terms of an Establishment, Project and Personal Licence.