2009 California Health and Safety Code - Section 1650-1651 :: Article 1. General Provisions

1650.  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.

1651.  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.