Use of Dogs for Dissection Purposes

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Freedom of Information Act 2001 – Use of Dogs for Dissection Purposes

To Whom It May Concern,

I write in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2001 (“The Act”) to request the disclosure of data held which concerns the institution's use of dogs in dissections.

The information I wish to request is as follows:

1) How many dogs were used in dissections for each of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

b) Of these dogs, how many were obtained from veterinary practices following death of natural causes or euthanised because of disease?

c) Of these dogs, how many were euthanised for the purposes of dissection, either at the university or at the source of supply?

2) What breed(s) were dogs used in dissections in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

3) How many live dogs did the university breed or hold on site for the purposes of dissection in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

I must stress that I am not interested in data which identifies those under the institution's employ and wholly agree for such personal information to be redacted.

As I am sure you are aware, The Act dictates that a response must be given within 21 days of receipt of this request. In the eventuality of any delay, I request that you keep me informed. I there are any matters on which you seek clarity, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Many thanks for your assistance and time spent in handling my request.

Kind Regards,

Luke Steele

FOI, Royal Veterinary College

Dear Mr Steel,

I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your request for data under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act. I will reply again in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Jackson

FOI Officer
Royal Veterinary College

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Jackson, Simon, Royal Veterinary College

Dear Mr Steele,

I am now in a position to respond to your request for data under the terms of The Freedom of Information Act. I have annotated your questions as follows:

1) How many dogs were used in dissections for each of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

Approximately 100 cadavers are used for dissection each year.

b) Of these dogs, how many were obtained from veterinary practices following death of natural causes or euthanised because of disease?

No cadavers were obtained from veterinary practices.

c) Of these dogs, how many were euthanised for the purposes of dissection, either at the university or at the source of supply?

No dogs were euthanised for the purposes of dissection; all animals are euthanised for reasons other than dissection.

2) What breed(s) were dogs used in dissections in the years 2010,
2011 and 2012?

Information not held.

3) How many live dogs did the university breed or hold on site for the purposes of dissection in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

Nil.

The RVC is satisfied that in making this response, it has complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with this response, you should request an internal review by writing to The Assistant Principal and College Secretary, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, who will ensure that this is dealt with accordingly. There is no charge for such a request. Should you still be dissatisfied with the outcome of any such complaint, you have the right to make a complaint via the Information Commissioner, pursuant to Section 50 of the Freedom of Information Act, via The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Jackson

FOI Officer
Royal Veterinary College

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