Article 1. General Provisions of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 1.

The public health and welfare depend on the humane use of animals for scientific advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of human and animal diseases, for education, for research in the advancement of veterinary, dental, medical and biologic sciences, for research in animal and human nutrition, and improvement and standardization of laboratory procedures of biologic products, pharmaceuticals and drugs.

The State Department of Health Services shall administer the provisions of this chapter. Every provision of this chapter shall be liberally construed to protect the interests of all persons and animals affected. As used in this chapter, "person" includes: laboratory, firm, association, corporation, copartnership, and educational institution. As used in this chapter, "board" or "department" means the State Department of Health Services.