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w w.atla.org .uk PiLAS Inspections are Essential Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969), Supreme Allied Commander in World War II and President of the USA from 1952 to 1960, made many important statements, some of which are frequently quoted today. One of those most often seen is “The uninspected deteriorates”. Inspection is recognised as vital in relation to the practices of airline pilots, builders, doctors, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, policemen, teachers, and many other professionals — and, in particular these days, bankers and food producers. It is no less important in the effective monitoring and regulation of the use of laboratory animals for scientific purposes, including education, research and testing. In the UK, the Home Office administers the legislation concerned with the protection of laboratory animals according to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The responsible minister, the Home Secretary, is assisted and advised by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) Inspectorate to ensure that all animal use is performed according to strict controls and high standards. The inspectors all have medical or veterinary qualifications, and have usually had first-hand experience of biomedical research. They spend their time assessing applications for licences and certificates, visiting research establishments, and supporting the ASRU’s significant outreach programme. At the end of 2011, there were 23 inspectors, and during that year, there were 1,437 visits to establishments, 45% of them without advance notice. Before the adoption of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, there were various forms of inspection in the EU Member States, but there will be greater harmonisation from now on, in line with Articles 34 and 35 of the Directive: