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Home Office to review transparency in animal experiments
lab rat
Current legislation prevents the Home Office from disclosing information on animal experiments.

Proposals to review restrictions on the disclosure of information

A consultation launched by the Home Office will review legislation relating to the level of transparency surrounding scientific experiments on animals.

The Government is seeking views on changes to Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

Currently, the law states the Home Office cannot disclose information received under ASPA regarding animal experiments - even when the provider has no objection. A breach of this law can result in a maximum of two years in prison and a fine.

The Government believes the current requirements are now "out of step" with policies on openness and transparency, the consultation document states.

It is hoped the consultation will lead to the repeal of section 24 and amends to ASPA. This will include making it a criminal offence to maliciously disclose information about the use of animals in scientific research.

In addition, the Government proposes to prohibit the disclosure of information relating to people and place details and intellectual property.

Commenting on the move, Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said the organisation "calls on the Government to amend Section 24 to facilitate the sharing of information on animal experiments which will promote openness and transparency in the industry, something that is of course paramount when animal welfare is involved.

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Section 24 prevents the public from being openly informed about what is being done in animal experiments and the justification for these tests.

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The Kennel Club does accept the need to retain confidentiality clauses, however, that protect intellectual property as well as the health and safety of particular people and places involved in animal research."

Responses to the consultation must be received by June 13. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/section-24-of-the-animals-scientific-procedures-act-1986


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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.