Poisons and Dangerous Substances Act 1952.

This Act establishes a regulatory framework for the control, sale, and use of poisons, drugs, and dangerous substances used in medicine and surgery. The Act classifies these substances into multiple schedules and mandates that "poisons" and "dangerous substances" must be kept separate from food or goods suitable for human or animal consumption. Enforcement is conducted through authorized officers who may enter premises to inspect records, stocks, and take samples.
The sale of substances listed in Schedule 1 is strictly restricted and generally requires a prescription or written order from a medical practitioner, dentist, or veterinary surgeon. For subsequent sales, the vendor must cancel the original prescription unless multiple supplies are explicitly authorized. Furthermore, Schedule 5 sets concentration limits of listed substances to be contained in antiobiotic premixes for growth promotion in animals and for mixing into animal feeds. .
Veterinary surgeons are granted specific exemptions and responsibilities under the Act. They are permitted to issue prescriptions for the sale of Schedule 1 substances and are not required to sign the Poisons Register at the time of purchase if they provide a signed written order within 24 hours. Additionally, the standard record-keeping and signature requirements for certain poisons do not apply to medicines dispensed by a veterinary surgeon for animals under their treatment.