Council of Europe Treaty Series

Preamble

The member States of the Council of Europe, signatory hereto,

Recalling that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members and that it wishes to co-operate with other States in the protection of live animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes;

Recognising that man has a moral obligation to respect all animals and to have due consideration for their capacity for suffering and memory;

Accepting nevertheless that man in his quest for knowledge, health and safety has a need to use animals where there is a reasonable expectation that the result will be to extend knowledge or be to the overall benefit of man or animal, just as he uses them for food, clothing and as beasts of burden;

Resolved to limit the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes, with the aim of replacing such use wherever practical, in particular by seeking alternative measures and encouraging the use of these alternative measures;

Desirous to adopt common provisions in order to protect animals used in those procedures which may possibly cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm and to ensure that where unavoidable they shall be kept to a minimum,

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

1. This Convention applies to any animal used or intended for use in any experimental or other scientific procedure where that procedure may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. It does not apply to any non-experimental agricultural or clinical veterinary practice.
2. In this Convention:

Article 2

A procedure may be performed for one or more of the following purposes only and subject to the restrictions laid down in this Convention:

Article 3

Each Party undertakes to take all the necessary steps to give effect to the provisions of this Convention and to ensure an effective system of control and supervision as soon as possible and in any case within a period of five years from the date of entry into force of the present Convention in respect of that Party.

Article 4

No provision in this Convention shall affect the liberty of the Parties to adopt stricter measures for the protection of animals used in procedures or for the control and restriction of the use of animals in procedures.

Article 5

1. Any animal used or intended for use in a procedure shall be provided with accommodation, an environment, at least a minimum degree of freedom of movement, food, water and care, appropriate to its health and well-being. Any restriction on the extent to which an animal can satisfy its physiological and ethological needs shall be limited as far as practicable. In the implementation of this provision, regard should be paid to the guidelines for accommodation and care of animals set out in Appendix A to this Convention.
2. The environmental conditions in which animals are bred, kept or used shall be checked daily.
3. The well-being and state of health of animals shall be observed sufficiently closely and frequently to prevent pain or avoidable suffering, distress or lasting harm.
4. Each Party shall determine arrangements to ensure that any defect or suffering discovered is corrected as quickly as possible.

Article 6

1. A procedure shall not be performed for any of the purposes referred to in Article 2, if another scientifically satisfactory method, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available.
2. Each Party should encourage scientific research into the development of methods which could provide the same information as that obtained in procedures.

Article 7

When a procedure has to be performed, the choice of species shall be carefully considered and, where required, be explained to the responsible authority; in a choice between procedures, those should be selected which use the minimum number of animals, cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm and which are most likely to provide satisfactory results.

Article 8

A procedure shall be performed under general or local anaesthesia or analgesia or by other methods designed to eliminate as far as practicable pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm applied throughout the procedure unless:

Article 9

1. Where it is planned to subject an animal to a procedure in which it will or may experience severe pain which is likely to endure, that procedure must be specifically declared and justified to, or specifically authorised by, the responsible authority.
2. Appropriate legislative and/or administrative measures shall be taken to ensure that no such procedure is carried out unnecessarily. Such measures shall include:

Article 10

During a procedure, an animal used shall remain subject to the provisions of Article 5 except where those provisions are incompatible with the objective of the procedure.

Article 11

1. At the end of the procedure it shall be decided whether the animal shall be kept alive or killed by a humane method. An animal shall not be kept alive if, even though it has been restored to normal health in all other respects, it is likely to remain in lasting pain or distress.
2. The decision referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be taken by a competent person, in particular a veterinarian, or the person who, in accordance with Article 13, is responsible for, or has performed, the procedure.
3. Where, at the end of the procedure:

   a   an animal is to be kept alive, it shall receive the care appropriate to its state of health, be placed under the supervision of a veterinarian or other competent person and kept under conditions conforming to the requirements of Article 5. The conditions laid down in this sub-paragraph may, however, be waived where, in the opinion of a veterinarian, the animal would not suffer as a consequence of such exemption;

   b   an animal is not to be kept alive or cannot benefit from the provisions of Article 5 for its well-being, it shall be killed by a humane method as soon as possible.

4. No animal which has been used in a procedure entailing severe or enduring pain or suffering, irrespective of whether anaesthesia or analgesia was employed, shall be used in a further procedure unless it has returned to good health and well-being and either:

   a   the further procedure is one in which the animal is subject throughout to general anaesthesia which is to be maintained until the animal is killed; or

   b   the further procedure will involve minor interventions only.

Article 12

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Convention, where it is necessary for the legitimate purposes of the procedure, the responsible authority may allow the animal concerned to be set free provided that it is satisfied that the maximum practicable care has been taken to safeguard the animal's well-being. Procedures that involve setting the animal free shall not be permitted solely for educational or training purposes.

Article 13

A procedure for the purposes referred to in Article 2 may be carried out by persons authorised, or under the direct responsibility of a person authorised, or if the experimental or other scientific project concerned is authorised in accordance with the provisions of national legislation. Authorisation shall be granted only to persons deemed to be competent by the responsible authority.

Article 14

Breeding and supplying establishments shall be registered with the responsible authority subject to the grant of an exemption under Article 21 or Article 22. Such registered establishments shall comply with the requirements of Article 5.

Article 15

The registration provided for in Article 14 shall specifiy the person in charge of the establishment, who shall be competent to administer or arrange for suitable care for animals of the species bred or kept in the establishment.

Article 16

1. Arrangements shall be made at registered breeding establishments to record, in respect of the animals bred there, the number and species of such animals leaving, the dates they leave and the name and address of the recipient.
2. Arrangements shall be made at registered supplying establishments to record the number and species of such animals entering and leaving, the dates of these movements, from whom the animals concerned were acquired and the name and address of the recipient.
3. The responsible authority shall prescribe the records which are to be kept and made available to it by the person in charge of the establishments mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article. Such records shall be kept for a minimum of three years from the date of the last entry.

Article 17

1. Each dog and cat in an establishment shall be individually and permanently marked in the least painful manner possible before it is weaned.
2. Where an unmarked dog or cat is taken into an establishment for the first time after it has been weaned, it shall be marked as soon as possible.
3. Where a dog or cat is transferred from one establishment to another before it is weaned and it is not practical to mark it beforehand, a full documentary record, specifying in particular its mother, shall be kept until it can be marked.
4. Particulars of the identity and origin of each dog or cat shall be entered in the records of the establishment.

Article 18

User establishments shall be registered with or otherwise approved by the responsible authority and shall comply with the conditions laid down in Article 5.

Article 19

Provisions shall be made at user establishments for installations and equipment appropriate for the species of animals used and the performance of the procedures conducted there. The design, construction and functioning of such installations and equipment shall be such as to ensure that the procedures are performed as effectively as possible, with the object of obtaining consistent results with the minimum number of animals and the minimum degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.

Article 20

In user establishments:

Article 21

1. Animals of the species listed below which are for use in procedures shall be acquired directly from or originate from registered breeding establishments, unless a general or special exemption has been obtained under arrangements to be determined by the Party:

   Mouse	Mus musculus
   Rat	Rattus norvegicus
   Guinea Pig	Cavia porcellus
   Golden hamster	Mesocricetus auratus
   Rabbit	Oryctolagus cuniculus
   Dog	Canis familiaris
   Cat	Felis catus
   Quail	Coturnix coturnix

2. Each Party undertakes to extend the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article to other species, in particular of the order of primates, as soon as there is a reasonable prospect of a sufficient supply of purpose-bred animals of the species concerned.
3. Straying animals of a domesticated species shall not be used in procedures. A general exemption made under the conditions of paragraph 1 of this article may not extend to stray dogs and cats.

Article 22

In user establishments, only animals supplied from registered breeding or supplying establishments shall be used, unless a general or special exemption has been obtained under arrangements to be determined by the Party.

Article 23

Procedures may, where authorised by the responsible authority, be conducted outside user establishments.

Article 24

Arrangements shall be made at user establishments to maintain records and make them available as required by the responsible authority. In particular, these records shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of Article 27 and, in addition, show the number and species of all animals acquired, from whom they were acquired and their date of arrival.

Article 25

1. Procedures carried out for the purpose of education, training or further training for professions or other occupations, including the care of animals being used or intended for use in procedures, must be notified to the responsible authority and shall be carried out by or under the supervision of a competent person, who will be resposible for ensuring that the procedures comply with national legislation under the terms of this Convention.
2. Procedures within the scope of education, training, or further training for purposes other than those referred to in paragraph 1 above shall not be permitted.
3. Procedures referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be restricted to those absolutely necessary for the purpose of the education or training concerned and be permitted only if their objective cannot be achieved by comparably effective audio-visual or any other suitable methods.

Article 26

Persons who carry out procedures, or take part in procedures, or take care of animals used in procedures, including supervision, shall have had appropriate education and training.

Article 27

1. Each Party shall collect statistical information on the use of animals in procedures and this information shall where lawful be made available to the public.
2. Information shall be collected in respect of:

Article 28

1. Subject to requirements of national legislation relating to secrecy and confidentiality, each Party shall communicate every year to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe information in respect of the items mentioned in paragraph 2 of Article 27, presented in the form set out in Appendix B to this Convention.
2. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall publish the statistical information received from the Parties in respect of the items mentioned in paragraph 2 of Article 27.
3. Each Party is invited to communicate to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the address of its national authority from which information about more comprehensive national statistics may be obtained on request. Such addresses will be contained in the publications of statistics made by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 29

1. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition of procedures required by law on health and safety, each Party shall, where practicable, recognise the results of procedures carried out in the territory of another Party.
2. To that end the Parties undertake, where practicable and lawful, to render each other mutual assistance, in particular by furnishing information on their legislation and administrative practice relating to the requirements for procedures to be carried out in support of submissions for registration of products, as well as factual information on procedures carried out in their territory and on authorisation or any other administrative particulars pertaining to these procedures.

Article 30 ⁽¹⁾

1   The Parties shall, within five years from the entry into force of this Convention and every five years thereafter, or more frequently if a majority of the Parties should so request, hold multilateral consultations within the Council of Europe to examine the application of this Convention, and the advisability of revising it or extending any of its provisions

2   These consultations shall take place at meetings convened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Parties shall communicate the name of their representative to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe at least two months before each meeting.

3   Subject to the provisions of this Convention, the Parties shall draw up the rules of procedure for the consultations.

Article 31 ⁽³⁾

1   Any amendment to Appendices A and B, proposed by a Party or by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and forwarded by him to the member States of the Council of Europe, to the European Community and to any non-member State which has acceded to, or has been invited to accede to the Convention in accordance with the provisions of Article 34.

2   Any amendments proposed in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be examined, not less than six months after the date of forwarding by the Secretary General, at a multilateral consultation where it may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Parties. The text adopted shall be forwarded to the Parties.

3   Twelve months after its adoption at a multilateral consultation, any amendment shall enter into force unless one third of the Parties have notified objections.

Article 32 ⁽⁵⁾

This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and by the European Communities. It is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 33 ⁽⁵⁾

1. This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date on which four member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of Article 32. ⁽¹⁾
2. In respect of a Signatory which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

Article 34 ⁽⁵⁾

1. After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in Article 20.d of the Statute of the Council of Europe and by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee.
2. In respect of any acceding State, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Article 35 ⁽⁵⁾

1. Any Signatory may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, make one or more reservations. No reservations may, however, be made in respect of Articles 1 to 14 or Articles 18 to 20.
2. Any Party which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may wholly or partly withdraw it by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.
3. A Party which has made a reservation in respect of a provision of this Convention may not claim the application of that provision by any other Party; it may, however, if its reservation is partial or conditional, claim the application of that provision insofar as it has itself accepted it.

Article 36 ⁽⁵⁾

1. Any Signatory may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.
2. Any Party may at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.
3. Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

Article 37 ⁽⁵⁾

1. Any Party may at any time denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
2. Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

Article 38 ⁽⁵⁾

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, the European Communities and any State which has acceded to this Convention of:

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

Done at Strasbourg, this 18th day of March 1986, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe, to the European Communities and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

Notes
(1)   Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).
(2)   Part added according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).
(3)   Text added according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).
(4)   Part renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).
(5)   Article renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).

Revised Appendix A

   Guidelines for accomodation and care of animals (Article 5 of the Convention)

Appendix B

   Statistical tables and Explanatory notes for their completion in fulfilment of the requirements in Articles  27 and 28 of the Convention

CONTENTS

Introduction

1. The physical facilities

2. The environment in the holding rooms and its control

3. Care

1. The member States of the Council of Europe have decided that it is their aim to protect live animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes to ensure that any possible pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm inflicted upon them, as a consequence of procedures being conducted upon them, shall be kept at a minimum.
2. It is true that some procedures are conducted under field conditions on free-living, self-supporting, wild animals, but such procedures are relatively few in number. The great majority of animals used in procedures must for practical reasons be kept under some sort of physical control in facilities ranging from outdoor corrals to cages for small animals in a laboratory animal house. This is a situation where there are highly conflicting interests. On the one hand, the animal whose needs in respect of movement, social relations and other manifestations of life must be restricted, on the other hand, the experimenter and his assistants who demand full control of the animal and its environment. In this confrontation of interests the animal may sometimes be given secondary consideration.
3. Therefore, the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental or Other Scientific Purposes provides in Article 5 that: "Any animal used or intended for use in a procedure shall be provided with accommodation, an environment, at least a minimum degree of freedom of movement, food, water and care, appropriate to its health and well-being. Any restriction on the extent to which an animal can satisfy its physiological and ethological needs shall be limited as far as practicable."
4. This appendix draws up certain guidelines based on present knowledge and practice for the accommodation and care of animals. It explains and supplements the basic principles adopted in Article 5. The object is thus to help authorities, institutions and individuals in their pursuit of the aims of the Council of Europe in this matter.
5. Care is a word which, when used in connection with animals intended for or in actual use in procedures, covers all aspects of the relationship between animals and man. Its substance is the sum of material and non-material resources mobilised by man to obtain and maintain an animal in a physical and mental state where it suffers least and performs best in procedures. It starts from the moment the animal is destined to be used in procedures and continues until it is humanely killed or otherwise disposed of by the establishment in accordance with Article 11 of the Convention after the close of the procedure.
6. The appendix aims to give advice about the design of appropriate animal quarters. There are, however, several methods of breeding and keeping laboratory animals that differ chiefly in the degree of control of the microbiological environment. It has to be borne in mind that the staff concerned will sometimes have to judge from the character and condition of the animals where the recommended standards of space may not be sufficient, as with especially aggressive animals. In applying the guidelines described in this appendix, the requirements of each of these situations should be taken into account. Furthermore, it is necessary to make clear the status of these guidelines. Unlike the provisions of the Convention itself, they are not mandatory: they are recommendations to be used with discretion, designed as guidance to the practices and standards which all concerned should conscientiously strive to achieve. It is for this reason that the term "should" has had to be used throughout the text even where "must" might seem to be the more appropriate word. For example, it is self-evident that food and water must be provided (see 3.7.2 and 3.8).
7. Finally, for practical and financial reasons, existing animal quarters' equipment should not need to be replaced before it is worn out, or has otherwise become useless. Pending replacement with equipment conforming with the present guidelines, these should as far as practicable be complied with by adjusting the numbers and sizes of animals placed in existing cages and pens.

In this Appendix A, in addition to the definitions contained in Article 1.2 of the Convention:

1.1. Functions and general design

1.2. Holding rooms

1.3. Laboratories and general and special purpose procedure rooms

1.4. Service rooms

2.1. Ventilation

2.2. Temperature

2.3. Humidity

Extreme variations in relative humidity (RH) have an adverse effect on the health and well-being of animals. It is therefore recommended that the RH level in holding rooms should be appropriate to the species concerned and should ordinarily be maintained at 55% ± 10%. Values below 40% and above 70% RH for prolonged periods should be avoided.

2.4. Lighting

In windowless rooms, it is necessary to provide controlled lighting both to satisfy the biological requirements of the animals and to provide a satisfactory working environment. It is also necessary to have a control of the intensity and of the light-dark cycle. When keeping albino animals, one should take into account their sensitivity to light (see also 2.6).

2.5. Noise

Noise can be an important disturbing factor in the animal quarters. Holding rooms and procedure rooms should be insulated against loud noise sources in the audible and in the higher frequencies in order to avoid disturbances in the behaviour and the physiology of the animals. Sudden noises may lead to considerable change in organ functions but, as they are often unavoidable, it is sometimes advisable to provide holding and procedure rooms with a continuous sound of moderate intensity such as soft music.

2.6. Alarm systems

A facility housing a large number of animals is vulnerable. It is therefore recommended that the facility is duly protected by the installation of devices to detect fires and the intrusion of unauthorised persons. Technical defects or a break-down of the ventilation system is another hazard which could cause distress and even the death of animals, due to suffocation and overheating or, in less serious cases, have such negative effects on a procedure that it will be a failure and have to be repeated. Adequate monitoring devices should therefore be installed in connection with the heating and ventilation plant to enable the staff to supervise its operation in general. If warranted, a stand-by generator should be provided for the maintenance of life support systems for the animals and lighting in the event of a break-down or the withdrawal of supply. Clear instructions on emergency procedures should be prominently displayed. Alarms for fish tanks are recommended in case of failure of the water supply. Care should be taken to ensure that the operation of an alarm system causes as little disturbance as possible to the animals.

3.1. Health

3.2. Capture

Wild and feral animals should be captured only by humane methods and by experienced persons who have a thorough knowledge of the habits and habitats of the animals to be caught. If an anaesthetic or any other drug has to be used in the capturing operation, it should be administered by a veterinarian or other competent person. Any animal which is seriously injured should be presented as soon as possible to a veterinarian for treatment. If the animal, in the opinion of the veterinarian, can only go on living with suffering or pain it should be killed at once by a humane method. In the absence of a veterinarian, any animal which may be seriously injured should be killed at once by a humane method.

3.3. Packing and transport conditions

All transportation is undoubtedly, for the animals, a stressful experience, which should be mitigated as far as possible. Animals should be in good health for transportation and it is the duty of the sender to ensure that they are so. Animals which are sick or otherwise out of condition should never be subjected to any transport which is not necessary for therapeutic or diagnostic reasons. Special care should be exercised with female animals in an advanced state of pregnancy. Female animals which are likely to give birth during the transport or which have done so within the preceding forty-eight hours, and their offspring, should be excluded from transportation. Every precaution should be taken by sender and carrier in packing, stowing and transit to avoid unnecessary suffering through inadequate ventilation, exposure to extreme temperatures, lack of feed and water, long delays, etc. The receiver should be properly informed about the transport details and documentary particulars to ensure quick handling and reception in the place of arrival. Even in the case of States which are not Parties to the European Convention on the Protection of Animals During International Transport, strict observance of the provisions of this Convention is recommended; strict observance of national laws and regulations as well as of the regulations for live animals of the International Air Transport Association and the Animal Air Transport Association is also recommended.

3.4. Reception and unpacking

The consignments of animals should be received and unpacked without avoidable delay. After inspection, the animals should be transferred to clean cages or pens and be supplied with feed and water as appropriate. Animals which are sick or otherwise out of condition should be kept under close observation and separately from other animals. They should be examined by a veterinarian or other competent person as soon as possible and, where necessary, treated. Animals which do not have any chance to recover should be killed at once by a humane method. Finally, all animals received must be registered and marked in accordance with the provisions of Articles 16, 17 and 24 of the Convention. Transport boxes should be destroyed immediately if proper decontamination is impossible.

3.5. Quarantine, isolation and acclimatisation

3.6. Caging

3.7. Feeding

3.8. Water

3.9. Bedding

Bedding should be dry, absorbent, non-dusty, non-toxic and free from infectious agents or vermin, or any other form of contamination. Special care should be taken to avoid using sawdust or bedding material derived from wood which has been treated chemically. Certain industrial by-products or waste, such as shredded paper, may be used.

3.10. Exercising and handling

3.11. Cleaning

3.12. Humane killing of animals

Introduction

Under Article 27 and 28 of the Convention, each Party shall collect statistical information relating to certain aspects of procedures coming under the Convention and communicate this information to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe who shall publish the information received.

The method used to collect the information is for each Party to decide and, of course, any additional statistical information may be collected to satisfy national requirements. However, in order to facilitate the work of the Secretary General, the information supplied to him must be comparable and in accordance with the attached tables. Data shall be collected per calendar year.

General

The animals to be counted are those which will be put to a use which may cause them pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm (see Article 1.2.c of the Convention). The counting shall take place when the animals are put to use in a procedure. Each animal shall be counted once only in the same table. Animals not subject to procedures as defined in Article 1.2.c shall not be counted for the purpose of collecting statistical information in the context of this Convention.

The very nature of biological research makes it inevitable that occasions will arise when it is difficult to decide in which column of a table an animal being used in a procedure should be recorded. There is no right or wrong method of solving the problem, which is one of individual choice. Subject to such directives as the competent authorities may give, it is for the scientist to decide where to record his animal.

It is, however, essential to ensure that no animal is counted twice in the same table.

TABLE 1

The number and kinds of animals used in procedures during (year) in (Party)

In this table the total number of animals used in procedures shall be given, this total being broken down by types or classes of animal.

TABLE 2

The number of animals used in procedures for selected purposes during (year) in (Party)

This table is intended to show the number of animals used in the broad areas of: fundamental research, development of new products, safety evaluation, diagnosis of disease, and education and training. In column 1, "medical" includes veterinary medicine.

TABLE 3

The number of animals used in procedures for selected purposes for the protection of man, animals and the environment by toxicological or other safety evaluationsduring (year) in (Party)

This table is intended to give a more detailed breakdown of procedures carried out for the general protection of man, animals and the environment excluding medical purposes. Column 6 includes harmful radiation.

TABLE 4

The number of animals used in procedures concerned with diseases and disorders during (year) in (Party)

This table is intended to illustrate the number of animals used for medical purposes, including veterinary medicine, with special reference to three areas of human disease which are of particular public concern.

Note:   When a procedure covers cancer under any item from 2 to 4, the cancer classification should take precedence.

TABLE 5

The number of animals used in procedures required by law during (year) in (Party)

An entry in the column "Party only" shall be made when the procedure is required by the law of the Party in which the procedure takes place, including international obligations into which that Party has entered (for example as a Party to the Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia or as a member State of the European Communities).

An entry in the column "Other Parties only" shall be made where the aim of the procedure is specifically to meet requirements, including trade requirements, in countries other than the Party, including also requirements of conventions to which the latter is not a party.

"Both" shall be used where the procedure is intended to meet requirements of both groups; in this case no entry shall be made in either of the other two columns.

   FIGURE 1
      Mice (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 2
      Rats (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 3
      Syrian hamsters (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 4
      Guinea pigs (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 5
      Rabbits (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 6
      Rabbits (in breeding)
      Minimum cage floor area for doe with unweaned litter

   FIGURE 7
      Cats (in stock and during procedures)
      Minimum cage floor area

   FIGURE 8
      Guide to the relationship between number of mice per cage and cage floor area
      (in stock and during procedures)

   FIGURE 9
      Guide to the relationship between number of rats per cage and cage floor area
      (in stock and during procedures)

   FIGURE 10
      Guide to the relationship between number of hamsters per cage and cage floor area
      (in stock and during procedures)

   FIGURE 11
      Guide to the relationship between number of guinea pigs per cage and cage floor area
      (in stock and during procedures)

   FIGURE 12
      Guide to the relationship between number of rabbits per cage and cage floor area
      (in stock and during procedures)

FIGURE 1

Mice (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a mouse, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 2

Rats (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a rat, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 3

Syrian hamsters (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a Syrian hamster, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 4

Guinea pigs (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a guinea pig, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 5

Rabbits (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a rabbit, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 6

Rabbits (in breeding)

Minimum cage floor area for doe with unweaned litter

Given the weight of a doe, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 7

Cats (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

Given the weight of a cat, the full-drawn line, EU-EU, gives the minimum area that it should be allocated.

FIGURE 8

Guide to the relationship between number of mice per cage and cage floor area (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

The lines represent the average weights and correspond to the line EU-EU in Figure 1

Minimum height of mouse cage: 12 cm

FIGURE 9

Guide to the relationship between number of rats per cage and cage floor area (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

The lines represent the average weights and correspond to the line EU-EU in Figure 2

Minimum height of rat cage: 14 cm

FIGURE 10

Guide to the relationship between number of hamsters per cage and cage floor area (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

The lines represent the average weights and correspond to the line EU-EU in Figure 3

Minimum height of hamster cage: 12 cm

FIGURE 11

Guide to the relationship between number of guinea pigs per cage and cage floor area (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

The lines represent the average weights and correspond to the line EU-EU in Figure 4

Minimum height of guinea pig cage: 18 cm

FIGURE 12

Guide to the relationship between number of rabbits per cage and cage floor area (in stock and during procedures)

Minimum cage floor area

The lines represent the average weights and correspond to the line EU-EU in Figure 5

Minimum height of rabbit cage: see Table 3

   TABLE 1
      Guidelines for room temperature
      (animals kept in cages, pens or indoor runs)

   TABLE 2
      Guidelines for local quarantine periods

   TABLE 3
      Guidelines for caging small rodents and rabbits
      (in stock and during procedures)

   TABLE 4
      Guidelines for caging small rodents in breeding

   TABLE 5
      Guidelines for caging breeding rabbits

   TABLE 6
      Guidelines for housing cats
      (during procedures and breeding)

   TABLE 7
      Guidelines for housing dogs in cages
      (during procedures)

   TABLE 8
      Guidelines for housing dogs in pens
      (in stock and during procedures and breeding)

   TABLE 9
      Guidelines for caging non-human primates
      (in stock and during procedures and breeding)

   TABLE 10
      Guidelines for caging pigs
      (in stock and during procedures)

   TABLE 11
      Guidelines for accommodating farm animals in pens
      (in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

   TABLE 12
      Guidelines for accommodating farm animals in stalls
      (in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

   TABLE 13
      Guidelines for caging birds
      (in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

TABLE 1

Guidelines for room temperature

(animals kept in cages, pens or indoor runs)

Note:    In special cases, for example when housing very young or hairless animals, higher room temperatures than those indicated may be required.

TABLE 2

Guidelines for local quarantine periods

Introductory note:

For imported animals, all quarantine periods should be subject to the Parties' national regulations. In regard to local quarantine periods, the period should be determined by a competent peron according to circumstances, normally a veterinarian appointed by the establishment.

TABLE 3

Guidelines for caging small rodents and rabbits

(in stock and during procedures)

Notes:

"Cage height" means the vertical distance between the cage floor and the upper horizontal part of the lid or cage.

See also Figures 1 to 5 and 8 to 12.

TABLE 4

Guidelines for caging small rodents in breeding

Note : For definition of "cage height" see note to Table 3.

TABLE 5

Guidelines for caging breeding rabbits

Notes:

For definition of "cage height" see note to Table 3.
The minimum cage floor area per doe and litter includes the area of the nest box floor.
See also Figure 6.

TABLE 6

Guidelines for housing cats

(during procedures and breeding)

Notes:

The housing of cats in cages should be strictly limited. Cats confined in this way should be let out for exercising at least once a day, where it does not interfere with the procedure. Cat pens should be equipped with dirt trays, ample shelf room for resting and objects suitable for climbing and claw-trimming.

See also Figure 7.

TABLE 7

Guidelines for housing dogs in cages

(during procedures)

Notes :

Dogs should not be kept in cages any longer than is absolutely necessary for the purpose of the procedure. Caged dogs should be let out for exercise at least once a day unless it is incompatible with the purpose of the procedure. A time-limit should be set beyond which a dog should not be confined without daily exercise. Exercise areas should be large enough to allow the dog freedom of movement. Grid floors should not be used in dog cages unless the procedure requires it.

For definition of "cage height", see note to Table 6.

TABLE 8

Guidelines for housing dogs in pens

(during procedures and breeding)

Note:

Figures in brackets give the total area per dog, that is, the pen floor area plus the adjacent exercise area. Dogs kept permanently outdoors should have access to a sheltered place to find protection against unfavourable weather conditions. Where dogs are housed on grid floors, a solid area should be provided for sleeping. Grid floors should not be used unless the procedure requires it. Partitions between pens should be such as to prevent dogs from injuring each other.

All pens should have adequate drainage.

TABLE 9

Guidelines for caging non-human primates

(in stock and during procedures and breeding)

Introductory note:

Because of the wide variations in sizes and characteristics of primates, it is especially important to match the shape and internal fittings as well as the dimensions of their cages to their particular needs. The total volume of the cage is just as important to primates as the floor area. As a general principle, the height of a cage, at least for apes and other simians, should be its greatest dimension. Cages should be high enough at least to allow the animals to stand up erect. The minimum cage height for brachiators should be such as to allow them to swing in full extension from the ceiling without their feet touching the cage floor. Where appropriate, perches should be fitted to allow the primates to use the upper part of the cage.

Compatible primates may be kept two to a cage. Where they cannot be kept in pairs, their cages should be so placed that they can see one another, but it should also be possible to prevent this when required.

Subject to these observations, the following table constitutes a general guideline for caging the groups of species most commonly used (superfamilies Ceboidea and Cercopithecoidea).

Note : For definition of "cage height", see note to Table 6.

TABLE 10

Guidelines for caging pigs

(in stock and during procedures)

Notes :

The table would also apply to piglets. Pigs should not be kept in cages unless absolutely necessary for the purpose of the procedure and then only for a minimum period of time.
For definition of "cage height" see note to Table 6.

TABLE 11

Guidelines for accommodating farm animals in pens

(in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

TABLE 12

Guidelines for accommodating farm animals in stalls

(in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

Note : Stalls should be sufficiently wide to allow an animal to lie comfortably.

TABLE 13

Guidelines for caging birds

(in stock and during procedures in user establishments)

Notes :

"Area" means the product of cage length and cage width measured internally and horizontally, NOT the product of the floor length and floor width.
For definition of "cage height" see note to Table 6.
Mesh size in grid floors should not be greater than 10 x 10 mm for young chicks, and 25 x 25 mm for pullets and adults. The wire thickness should be at the least 2 mm. The sloping gradient should not exceed 14 % (8°). Water troughs should be of the same length as the feed troughs. If nipples or cups are provided, each bird should have access to two. Cages should be fitted with perches and allow birds in single cages to see each other.