The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Appropriate Methods of Humane Killing) Order 1996

• Citation: S.I. 1996/3278
• Sections: 4

Section 1

This Order may be cited as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Appropriate Methods of Humane Killing) Order 1996 and shall come into force on 1st March 1997.

Section 2

For Schedule 1 to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 there shall be substituted the Schedule set out in the Schedule to this Order.

Section 1

Subject to paragraph 2 below, the methods of humane killing listed in Tables A and B below are appropriate for the animals listed in the corresponding entries in those tables only if the process of killing is completed by one of the methods listed in sub-paragraphs (a) to (f) below:

(a) confirmation of permanent cessation of the circulation

(b) destruction of the brain

(c) dislocation of the neck

(d) exsanguination

(e) confirming the onset of rigor mortis

(f) instantaneous destruction of the body in a macerator.

Section 2

Paragraph 1 above does not apply in those cases where Table A specifies one of the methods listed in that paragraph as an appropriate method of humane killing.

(1) Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and an anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size and species of animal.

(2) Exposure to carbon dioxide gas in a rising concentration.

(3) Dislocation of the neck.

(4) Concussion of the brain by striking the cranium.

(5) One of the recognised methods of slaughter set out below which is appropriate to the animal and is performed by a registered veterinary surgeon, or, in the case of the methods described in paragraph (ii) below, performed by the holder of a current licence granted under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995.

(i) Destruction of the brain by free bullet, or

(ii) captive bolt, percussion or electrical stunning followed by destruction of the brain or exsanguination before return of consciousness.

(1) Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size, stage of development and species of animal.

(2) Refrigeration, or disruption of membranes, or maceration in apparatus approved under appropriate slaughter legislation, or exposure to carbon dioxide in near 100% concentration until they are dead.

(3) Cooling of foetuses followed by immersion in cold tissue fixative.

(4) Decapitation.