About Certificates

The original 1876 Cruelty to Animals Act envisaged hat most experiments would be done while the animal was under anaesthetic and that it would not be allowed to recover from that state.
However, it was recognised that there would be cases where the immediate death of the animal would frustrate the aims of the experiment. Because of this there is provision within the Act, for the granting of certificates (or exemptions) which are as follows:

Certificate A

This permits the worker to dispense with (the use of) anaesthesia. Obviously this will only be granted where the minimum amount of pain is envisaged such as dietary manipulation or the raising of antibodies.

Certificate B

This permits a worker to allow an animal to recover from an anaesthetic. The post procedural care of such animals will need to be given in detail.

Certificate C

No procedures are allowed on animals in public places or as demonstrations to students.
This granting of certificate, allows the use of animals in the teaching of students. This will normally be only allowed for demonstration to 3rd level students. The use of videos for repetitious demonstration is encouraged.

Certificate D

This is necessary if the animal may experience severe pain that is likely to be prolonged.

Certificate E, EE & F

These certificates are necessary if dogs, cats or equines are to be used as experimental animals.

Certificate  G

This is necessary whenever the setting free of the animal is necessary for the legitimate purposes of  the proposed experiment.