Annexes to COM(2008)543 - Protection of animals used for scientific purposes

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dossier COM(2008)543 - Protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
document COM(2008)543 EN
date November  9, 2010
ANNEX I

LIST OF ANIMALS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 10

1.Mouse (Mus musculus)

2.Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

3.Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

4.Syrian (golden) hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

5.Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus)

6.Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

7.Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

8.Dog (Canis familiaris)

9.Cat (Felis catus)

10.All species of non-human primates

11.Frog (Xenopus (laevis, tropicalis), Rana (temporaria, pipiens))

12.Zebra fish (Danio rerio)



ANNEX II

LIST OF NON-HUMAN PRIMATES AND DATES REFERRED TO IN THE SECOND SUBPARAGRAPH OF ARTICLE 10(1)

SpeciesDates
Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)1 January 2013
Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)5 years after the publication of the feasibility study referred to in Article 10(1), fourth subparagraph, provided the study does not recommend an extended period
Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)5 years after the publication of the feasibility study referred to in Article 10(1), fourth subparagraph, provided the study does not recommend an extended period
Other species of non-human primates5 years after the publication of the feasibility study referred to in Article 10(1), fourth subparagraph, provided the study does not recommend an extended period



ANNEX III

REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOR THE CARE AND ACCOMMODATION OF ANIMALS

Section A:   General section

1. The physical facilities

1.1.   Functions and general design

(a)All facilities shall be constructed so as to provide an environment which takes into account the physiological and ethological needs of the species kept in them. Facilities shall also be designed and managed to prevent access by unauthorised persons and the ingress or escape of animals.

(b)Establishments shall have an active maintenance programme to prevent and remedy any defect in buildings or equipment.

1.2.   Holding rooms

(a)Establishments shall have a regular and efficient cleaning schedule for the rooms and shall maintain satisfactory hygienic standards.

(b)Walls and floors shall be surfaced with a material resistant to the heavy wear and tear caused by the animals and the cleaning process. The material shall not be detrimental to the health of the animals and shall be such that the animals cannot hurt themselves. Additional protection shall be given to any equipment or fixtures so that they are not damaged by the animals nor do they cause injury to the animals themselves.

(c)Species that are incompatible, for example predator and prey, or animals requiring different environmental conditions, shall not be housed in the same room nor, in the case of predator and prey, within sight, smell or sound of each other.

1.3.   General and special purpose procedure rooms

(a)Establishments shall, where appropriate, have available laboratory facilities for the carrying out of simple diagnostic tests, post-mortem examinations, and/or the collection of samples that are to be subjected to more extensive laboratory investigations elsewhere. General and special purpose procedure rooms shall be available for situations where it is undesirable to carry out the procedures or observations in the holding rooms.

(b)Facilities shall be provided to enable newly-acquired animals to be isolated until their health status can be determined and the potential health risk to established animals assessed and minimised.

(c)There shall be accommodation for the separate housing of sick or injured animals.

1.4.   Service rooms

(a)Store-rooms shall be designed, used and maintained to safeguard the quality of food and bedding. These rooms shall be vermin and insect-proof, as far as possible. Other materials, which may be contaminated or present a hazard to animals or staff, shall be stored separately.

(b)The cleaning and washing areas shall be large enough to accommodate the installations necessary to decontaminate and clean used equipment. The cleaning process shall be arranged so as to separate the flow of clean and dirty equipment to prevent the contamination of newly-cleaned equipment.

(c)Establishments shall provide for the hygienic storage and safe disposal of carcasses and animal waste.

(d)Where surgical procedures under aseptic conditions are required there shall be provision for one or more than one suitably equipped room, and facilities provided for postoperative recovery.

2. The environment and control thereof

2.1.   Ventilation and temperature

(a)Insulation, heating and ventilation of the holding room shall ensure that the air circulation, dust levels, and gas concentrations are kept within limits that are not harmful to the animals housed.

(b)Temperature and relative humidity in the holding rooms shall be adapted to the species and age groups housed. The temperature shall be measured and logged on a daily basis.

(c)Animals shall not be restricted to outdoor areas under climatic conditions which may cause them distress.

2.2.   Lighting

(a)Where natural light does not provide an appropriate light/dark cycle, controlled lighting shall be provided to satisfy the biological requirements of the animals and to provide a satisfactory working environment.

(b)Illumination shall satisfy the needs for the performance of husbandry procedures and inspection of the animals.

(c)Regular photoperiods and intensity of light adapted to the species shall be provided.

(d)When keeping albino animals, the lighting shall be adjusted to take into account their sensitivity to light.

2.3.   Noise

(a)Noise levels including ultrasound, shall not adversely affect animal welfare.

(b)Establishments shall have alarm systems that sound outside the sensitive hearing range of the animals, where this does not conflict with their audibility to human beings.

(c)Holding rooms shall where appropriate be provided with noise insulation and absorption materials.

2.4.   Alarm systems

(a)Establishments relying on electrical or mechanical equipment for environmental control and protection, shall have a stand-by system to maintain essential services and emergency lighting systems as well as to ensure that alarm systems themselves do not fail to operate.

(b)Heating and ventilation systems shall be equipped with monitoring devices and alarms.

(c)Clear instructions on emergency procedures shall be prominently displayed.

3. Care of animals

3.1.   Health

(a)Establishments shall have a strategy in place to ensure that a health status of the animals is maintained that safeguards animal welfare and meets scientific requirements. This strategy shall include regular health monitoring, a microbiological surveillance programme and plans for dealing with health breakdowns and shall define health parameters and procedures for the introduction of new animals.

(b)Animals shall be checked at least daily by a competent person. These checks shall ensure that all sick or injured animals are identified and appropriate action is taken.

3.2.   Animals taken from the wild

(a)Transport containers and means of transport adapted to the species concerned shall be available at capture sites, in case animals need to be moved for examination or treatment.

(b)Special consideration shall be given and appropriate measures taken for the acclimatisation, quarantine, housing, husbandry, care of animals taken from the wild and, as appropriate, provisions for setting them free at the end of procedures.

3.3.   Housing and enrichment

(a)   Housing

Animals, except those which are naturally solitary, shall be socially housed in stable groups of compatible individuals. In cases where single housing is allowed in accordance with article 33(3) the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary and visual, auditory, olfactory and/or tactile contact shall be maintained. The introduction or re-introduction of animals to established groups shall be carefully monitored to avoid problems of incompatibility and disrupted social relationships.

(b)   Enrichment

All animals shall be provided with space of sufficient complexity to allow expression of a wide range of normal behaviour. They shall be given a degree of control and choice over their environment to reduce stress-induced behaviour. Establishments shall have appropriate enrichment techniques in place, to extend the range of activities available to the animals and increase their coping activities including physical exercise, foraging, manipulative and cognitive activities, as appropriate to the species. Environmental enrichment in animal enclosures shall be adapted to the species and individual needs of the animals concerned. The enrichment strategies in establishments shall be regularly reviewed and updated.

(c)   Animal enclosures

Animal enclosures shall not be made out of materials detrimental to the health of the animals. Their design and construction shall be such that no injury to the animals is caused. Unless they are disposable, they shall be made from materials that will withstand cleaning and decontamination techniques. The design of animal enclosure floors shall be adapted to the species and age of the animals and be designed to facilitate the removal of excreta.

3.4.   Feeding

(a)The form, content and presentation of the diet shall meet the nutritional and behavioural needs of the animal.

(b)The animals’ diet shall be palatable and non-contaminated. In the selection of raw materials, production, preparation and presentation of feed, establishments shall take measures to minimise chemical, physical and microbiological contamination.

(c)Packing, transport and storage shall be such as to avoid contamination, deterioration or destruction. All feed hoppers, troughs or other utensils used for feeding shall be regularly cleaned and, if necessary, sterilised.

(d)Each animal shall be able to access the food, with sufficient feeding space provided to limit competition.

3.5.   Watering

(a)Uncontaminated drinking water shall always be available to all animals.

(b)When automatic watering systems are used, they shall be regularly checked, serviced and flushed to avoid accidents. If solid-bottomed cages are used, care shall be taken to minimise the risk of flooding.

(c)Provision shall be made to adapt the water supply for aquaria and tanks to the needs and tolerance limits of the individual fish, amphibian and reptile species.

3.6.   Resting and sleeping areas

(a)Bedding materials or sleeping structures adapted to the species shall always be provided, including nesting materials or structures for breeding animals.

(b)Within the animal enclosure, as appropriate to the species, a solid, comfortable resting area for all animals shall be provided. All sleeping areas shall be kept clean and dry.

3.7.   Handling

Establishments shall set up habituation and training programmes suitable for the animals, the procedures and length of the project.

Section B:   Species-specific section

1. Mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs

In this and subsequent tables for mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs, ‘enclosure height’ means the vertical distance between the enclosure floor and the top of the enclosure and this height applies over more than 50 % of the minimum enclosure floor area prior to the addition of enrichment devices.

When designing procedures, consideration shall be given to the potential growth of the animals to ensure adequate space is provided (as detailed in Tables 1.1 to 1.5) for the duration of the study.

Table 1.1.

Mice

Body weight

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
In stock and during proceduresup to 2033060121 January 2017
over 20 to 253307012
over 25 to 303308012
over 3033010012
Breeding330

For a monogamous pair (outbred/inbred) or a trio (inbred). For each additional female plus litter 180 cm2 shall be added.
12
Stock at breeders (1)

Enclosure size

950 cm2
less than 209504012
Enclosure size

1 500 cm2
less than 201 5003012

Table 1.2.

Rats

Body weight

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
In stock and during procedures (2)up to 200800200181 January 2017
over 200 to 30080025018
over 300 to 40080035018
over 400 to 60080045018
over 6001 50060018
Breeding800

Mother and litter. For each additional adult animal permanently added to the enclosure add 400 cm2
18
Stock at breeders (3)

Enclosure size

1 500 cm2
up to 501 50010018
over 50 to 1001 50012518
over 100 to 1501 50015018
over 150 to 2001 50017518
Stock at breeders (3)

Enclosure size

2 500 cm2
up to 1002 50010018
over 100 to 1502 50012518
over 150 to 2002 50015018

Table 1.3.

Gerbils

Body weight

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
In stock and during proceduresup to 401 200150181 January 2017
over 401 20025018
Breeding1 200

Monogamous pair or trio with offspring
18

Table 1.4.

Hamsters

Body weight

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
In stock and during proceduresup to 60800150141 January 2017
over 60 to 10080020014
over 10080025014
Breeding800

Mother or monogamous pair with litter
14
Stock at breeders (4)less than 601 50010014

Table 1.5.

Guinea pigs

Body weight

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimumenclosure height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
In stock and during proceduresup to 2001 800200231 January 2017
over 200 to 3001 80035023
over 300 to 4501 80050023
over 450 to 7002 50070023
over 7002 50090023
Breeding2 500

Pair with litter. For each additional breeding female add 1 000 cm2
23

2. Rabbits

During agricultural research, when the aim of the project requires that the animals are kept under similar conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept, the keeping of the animals shall at least follow the standards laid down in Directive 98/58/EC (5).

A raised area shall be provided within the enclosure. This raised area must allow the animal to lie and sit and easily move underneath, and shall not cover more than 40 % of the floor space. When for scientific or veterinary reasons a raised area cannot be used, the enclosure shall be 33 % larger for a single rabbit and 60 % larger for two rabbits. Where a raised area is provided for rabbits of less than 10 weeks of age, the size of the raised area shall be at least of 55 cm by 25 cm and the height above the floor shall be such that the animals can make use of it.

Table 2.1.

Rabbits over 10 weeks of age

Table 2.1 is to be used for both cages and pens. The additional floor area is as a minimum 3 000 cm2 per rabbit for the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth rabbit, while 2 500 cm2 as a minimum shall be added for each additional rabbit above a number of six.

Final body weight

(kg)
Minimum floor area for one or two socially harmonious animals

(cm2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
less than 33 500451 January 2017
from 3 to 54 20045
over 55 40060

Table 2.2.

Doe plus litter

Doe weight

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Addition for nest boxes

(cm2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
less than 33 5001 000451 January 2017
from 3 to 54 2001 20045
over 55 4001 40060

Table 2.3.

Rabbits less than 10 weeks of age

Table 2.3 is to be used for both cages and pens.

AgeMinimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Minimum floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Weaning to 7 weeks4 000800401 January 2017
From 7 to 10 weeks4 0001 20040

Table 2.4.

Rabbits: Optimal dimensions for raised areas for enclosures having the dimensions indicated in Table 2.1.

Age in weeksFinal body weight

(kg)
Optimum size

(cm x cm)
Optimum height from the enclosure floor

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
over 10less than 355 × 25251 January 2017
from 3 to 555 × 3025
over 560 × 3530

3. Cats

Cats shall not be single-housed for more than 24 hours at a time. Cats that are repeatedly aggressive towards other cats shall be housed singly only if a compatible companion cannot be found. Social stress in all pair- or group-housed individuals shall be monitored at least weekly. Females with kittens under four weeks of age or in the last two weeks of pregnancy may be housed singly.

Table 3.

Cats

The minimum space in which a queen and litter may be held is the space for a single cat, which shall be gradually increased so that by 4 months of age litters have been rehoused following the space requirements for adults.

Areas for feeding and for litter trays shall not be less than 0,5 metres apart and shall not be interchanged.

Floor (6)

(m2)
Shelves

(m2)
Height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Minimum for one adult animal1,50,521 January 2017
For each additional animal add0,750,25

4. Dogs

Dogs shall where possible be provided with outside runs. Dogs shall not be single-housed for more than 4 hours at a time.

The internal enclosure shall represent at least 50 % of the minimum space to be made available to the dogs, as detailed in Table 4.1.

The space allowances detailed below are based on the requirements of beagles, but giant breeds such as St Bernards or Irish wolfhounds shall be provided with allowances significantly in excess of those detailed in Table 4.1. For breeds other than the laboratory beagle, space allowances shall be determined in consultation with veterinary staff.

Table 4.1.

Dogs

Dogs that are pair or group housed may each be constrained to half the total space provided (2 m2 for a dog under 20 kg, 4 m2 for a dog over 20 kg) while they are undergoing procedures as defined in this Directive, if this separation is essential for scientific purposes. The period for which a dog is so constrained shall not exceed 4 hours at a time.

A nursing bitch and litter shall have the same space allowance as a single bitch of equivalent weight. The whelping pen shall be designed so that the bitch can move to an additional compartment or raised area away from the puppies.

Weight

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum floor area for one or two animals

(m2)
For each additional animal add a minimum of

(m2)
Minimum height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 2044221 January 2017
over 208842

Table 4.2.

Dogs — post-weaned stock

Weight of dog

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum floor area/animal

(m2)
Minimum height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 540,521 January 2017
over 5 to 1041,02
over 10 to 1541,52
over 15 to 20422
over 20842

5. Ferrets

Table 5.

Ferrets

Minimum enclosure size

(cm2)
Minimum floor area per animal

(cm2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Animals up to 600 g4 5001 500501 January 2017
Animals over 600 g4 5003 00050
Adult males6 0006 00050
Jill and litter5 4005 40050

6. Non-human primates

Young non-human primates shall not be separated from their mothers until they are, depending on the species, 6 to 12 months old.

The environment shall enable non-human primates to carry out a complex daily programme of activity. The enclosure shall allow non-human primates to adopt as wide a behavioural repertoire as possible, provide it with a sense of security, and a suitably complex environment to allow the animal to run, walk, climb and jump.

Table 6.1.

Marmosets and tamarins

Minimum floor area of enclosures for 1 (7) or 2 animals plus offspring up to 5 months old

(m2)
Minimum volume per additional animal over 5 months

(m3)
Minimum enclosure height

(m) (8)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Marmosets0,50,21,51 January 2017
Tamarins1,50,21,5

For marmosets and tamarins, separation from the mother shall not take place before 8 months of age.

Table 6.2.

Squirrel monkeys

Minimum floor area for 1 (9) or 2 animals

(m2)
Minimum volume per additional animal over 6 months of age

(m3)
Minimum enclosure height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
2,00,51,81 January 2017

For squirrel monkeys, separation from the mother shall not take place before 6 months of age.

Table 6.3.

Macaques and vervets  (10)

Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum enclosure volume

(m3)
Minimum volume per animal

(m3)
Minimum enclosure height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Animals less than 3 yrs of age (11)2,03,61,01,81 January 2017
Animals from 3 yrs of age (12)2,03,61,81,8
Animals held for breeding purposes (13)3,52,0

For macaques and vervets, separation from the mother shall not take place before 8 months of age.

Table 6.4.

Baboons  (14)

Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum enclosure volume

(m3)
Minimum volume per animal

(m3)
Minimum enclosure height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Animals less than 4 yrs of age (15)4,07,23,01,81 January 2017
Animals from 4 yrs of age (15)7,012,66,01,8
Animals held for breeding purposes (16)12,02,0

For baboons, separation from the mother shall not take place before 8 months of age.

7. Farm animals

During agricultural research, when the aim of the project requires that the animals are kept under similar conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept, the keeping of the animals shall comply at least with the standards laid down in Directives 98/58/EC, 91/629/EEC (17) and 91/630/EEC (18).

Table 7.1.

Cattle

Body weight

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum floor area/animal

(m2/animal)
Trough space for ad-libitum feeding of polled cattle

(m/animal)
Trough space for restricted feeding of polled cattle

(m/animal)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 1002,502,300,100,301 January 2017
over 100 to 2004,253,400,150,50
over 200 to 4006,004,800,180,60
over 400 to 6009,007,500,210,70
over 600 to 80011,008,750,240,80
over 80016,0010,000,301,00

Table 7.2.

Sheep and goats

Body weight

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum floor area/animal

(m2/animal)
Minimum partition height

(m)
Trough space for ad-libitum feeding

(m/animal)
Trough space for restricted feeding

(m/animal)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
less than 201,00,71,00,100,251 January 2017
over 20 to 351,51,01,20,100,30
over 35 to 602,01,51,20,120,40
over 603,01,81,50,120,50

Table 7.3.

Pigs and minipigs

Live weight

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size (19)

(m2)
Minimum floor area per animal

(m2/animal)
Minimum lying space per animal (in, thermoneutral conditions)

(m2/animal)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 52,00,200,101 January 2017
over 5 to 102,00,250,11
over 10 to 202,00,350,18
over 20 to 302,00,500,24
over 30 to 502,00,700,33
over 50 to 703,00,800,41
over 70 to 1003,01,000,53
over 100 to 1504,01,350,70
over 1505,02,500,95
Adult (conventional) boars7,51,30

Table 7.4.

Equines

The shortest side shall be a minimum of 1,5 times the wither height of the animal. The height of indoor enclosures shall allow animals to rear to their full height.

Wither height

(m)
Minimum floor area/animal

(m2/animal)
Minimum enclosure height

(m)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
For each animal held singly or in groups of up to 3 animalsFor each animal held in groups of 4 or more animalsFoaling box/mare with foal
1,00 to 1,409,06,0163,001 January 2017
over 1,40 to 1,6012,09,0203,00
over 1,6016,0(2 × WH)2  (20)203,00

8. Birds

During agricultural research, when the aim of the project requires that the animals are kept under similar conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept, the keeping of the animals shall comply at least with the standards laid down in Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC (21) and 2007/43/EC (22).

Table 8.1.

Domestic fowl

Where these minimum enclosure sizes cannot be provided for scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement shall be justified by the experimenter in consultation with veterinary staff. In such circumstances, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment and with a minimum floor area of 0,75 m2.

Body mass

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum area per bird

(m2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum length of feed trough per bird

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 2001,000,0253031 January 2017
over 200 to 3001,000,03303
over 300 to 6001,000,05407
over 600 to 1 2002,000,095015
over 1 200 to 1 8002,000,117515
over 1 800 to 2 4002,000,137515
over 2 4002,000,217515

Table 8.2.

Domestic turkeys

All enclosure sides shall be at least 1,5 m long. Where these minimum enclosures sizes cannot be provided for scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement shall be justified by the experimenter in consultation with veterinary staff. In such circumstances, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment and with a minimum floor area of 0,75 m2 and a minimum height of 50 cm for birds below 0,6 kg, 75 cm for birds below 4 kg, and 100 cm for birds over 4 kg. These can be used to house small groups of birds in accordance with the space allowances given in table 8.2.

Body mass

(kg)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum area per bird

(m2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum length of feed trough per bird

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 0,32,000,135031 January 2017
over 0,3 to 0,62,000,17507
over 0,6 to 12,000,3010015
over 1 to 42,000,3510015
over 4 to 82,000,4010015
over 8 to 122,000,5015020
over 12 to 162,000,5515020
over 16 to 202,000,6015020
over 203,001,0015020

Table 8.3.

Quails

Body mass

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Area per bird pair-housed

(m2)
Area per additional bird group-housed

(m2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum length of trough per bird

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 1501,000,50,102041 January 2017
Over 1501,000,60,15304

Table 8.4.

Ducks and geese

Where these minimum enclosures sizes cannot be provided for scientific reasons, the duration of the confinement shall be justified by the experimenter in consultation with veterinary staff. In such circumstances, birds can be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment and with a minimum floor area of 0,75 m2. These can be used to house small groups of birds in accordance with the space allowances given in table 8.4.

Body mass

(g)
Minimum enclosure size

(m2)
Area per bird

(m2) (23)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum length of feed trough per bird

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Ducks1 January 2017
Up to 3002,000,105010
Over 300 to 1 200 (24)2,000,2020010
Over 1 200 to 3 5002,000,2520015
Over 3 5002,000,5020015
Geese
Up to 5002,000,2020010
Over 500 to 2 0002,000,3320015
Over 2 0002,000,5020015

Table 8.5.

Ducks and geese: Minimum pond sizes  (25)

Area

(m2)
Depth

(cm)
Ducks0,530
Geese0,5from 10 to 30

Table 8.6.

Pigeons

Enclosures shall be long and narrow (for example 2 m by 1 m) rather than square to allow birds to perform short flights.

Group sizeMinimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum length of food trough per bird

(cm)
Minimum length of perch per bird

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 622005301 January 2017
from 7 to 123200530
for each additional bird above 120,15530

Table 8.7.

Zebra finches

Enclosures shall be long and narrow (for example 2 m by 1 m) to enable birds to perform short flights. For breeding studies, pairs may be housed in smaller enclosures containing appropriate enrichment with a minimum floor area of 0,5 m2 and a minimum height of 40 cm. The duration of the confinement shall be justified by the experimenter in consultation with veterinary staff.

Group sizeMinimum enclosure size

(m2)
Minimum height

(cm)
Minimum number of feedersDate referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 61,010021 January 2017
7 to 121,52002
13 to 202,02003
for each additional bird above 200,051 per 6 birds

9. Amphibians

Table 9.1.

Aquatic urodeles

Body length (26)

(cm)
Minimum water surface area

(cm2)
Minimum water surface area for each additional animal in group-holding

(cm2)
Minimum water depth

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 10262,550131 January 2017
over 10 to 1552511013
over 15 to 2087520015
over 20 to 301 837,544015
Over 303 15080020

Table 9.2.

Aquatic anurans  (27)

Body length (28)

(cm)
Minimum water surface area

(cm2)
Minimum water surface area for each additional animal in group-holding

(cm2)
Minimum water depth

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Less than 61604061 January 2017
from 6 to 9300758
over 9 to 1260015010
over 1292023012,5

Table 9.3.

Semi-aquatic anurans

Body length (29)

(cm)
Minimum enclosure size (30)

(cm2)
Minimum area for each additional animal in group holding

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height (31)

(cm)
Minimum water depth

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 5,01 50020020101 January 2017
over 5,0 to 7,53 5005003010
Over 7,54 0007003015

Table 9.4.

Semi-terrestrial anurans

Body length (32)

(cm)
Minimum enclosure size (33)

(cm2)
Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height (34)

(cm)
Minimum water depth

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
Up to 5,01 50020020101 January 2017
over 5,0 to 7,53 5005003010
over 7,54 0007003015

Table 9.5.

Arboreal anurans

Body length (35)

(cm)
Minimum enclosure size (36)

(cm2)
Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height (37)

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 3,0900100301 January 2017
Over 3,01 50020030

10. Reptiles

Table 10.1.

Aquatic chelonians

Body length (38)

(cm)
Minimum water surface area

(cm2)
Minimum water surface area for each additional animal in group holding

(cm2)
Minimum water depth

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 5600100101 January 2017
Over 5 to 101 60030015
Over 10 to 153 50060020
Over 15 to 206 0001 20030
Over 20 to 3010 0002 00035
Over 3020 0005 00040

Table 10.2.

Terrestrial snakes

Body length (39)

(cm)
Minimum floor area

(cm2)
Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding

(cm2)
Minimum enclosure height (40)

(cm)
Date referred to in Article 33(2)
up to 30300150101 January 2017
Over 30 to 4040020012
Over 40 to 5060030015
Over 50 to 751 20060020
Over 752 5001 20028

11. Fish

11.1.   Water supply and quality

Adequate water supply of suitable quality shall be provided at all times. Water flow in re-circulatory systems or filtration within tanks shall be sufficient to ensure that water quality parameters are maintained within acceptable levels. Water supply shall be filtered or treated to remove substances harmful to fish, where necessary. Water-quality parameters shall at all times be within the acceptable range that sustains normal activity and physiology for a given species and stage of development. The water flow shall be appropriate to enable fish to swim correctly and to maintain normal behaviour. Fish shall be given an appropriate time for acclimatisation and adaptation to changes in water-quality conditions.

11.2.   Oxygen, nitrogen compounds, pH, and salinity

Oxygen concentration shall be appropriate to the species and to the context in which the fish are held. Where necessary, supplementary aeration of tank water shall be provided. The concentrations of nitrogen compounds shall be kept low.

The pH level shall be adapted to the species and kept as stable as possible. The salinity shall be adapted to the requirements of the fish species and to the life stage of the fish. Changes in salinity shall take place gradually.

11.3.   Temperature, lighting, noise

Temperature shall be maintained within the optimal range for the fish species concerned and kept as stable as possible. Changes in temperature shall take place gradually. Fish shall be maintained on an appropriate photoperiod. Noise levels shall be kept to a minimum and, where possible, equipment causing noise or vibration, such as power generators or filtration systems, shall be separate from the fish-holding tanks.

11.4.   Stocking density and environmental complexity

The stocking density of fish shall be based on the total needs of the fish in respect of environmental conditions, health and welfare. Fish shall have sufficient water volume for normal swimming, taking account of their size, age, health and feeding method. Fish shall be provided with an appropriate environmental enrichment, such as hiding places or bottom substrate, unless behavioural traits suggest none is required.

11.5.   Feeding and handling

Fish shall be fed a diet suitable for the fish at an appropriate feeding rate and frequency. Particular attention shall be given to feeding of larval fish during any transition from live to artificial diets. Handling of fish shall be kept to a minimum.



(1) Post-weaned mice may be kept at these higher stocking densities for the short period after weaning until issue, provided that the animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment, and these housing conditions do not cause any welfare deficit such as increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypes and other behavioural deficits, weight loss, or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

(2) In long-term studies, if space allowances per individual animal fall below those indicated above towards the end of such studies, priority shall be given to maintaining stable social structures.

(3) Post-weaned rats may be kept at these higher stocking densities for the short period after weaning until issue, provided that the animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment, and these housing conditions do not cause any welfare deficit such as increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypes and other behavioural deficits, weight loss, or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

(4) Post-weaned hamsters may be kept at these higher stocking densities, for the short period after weaning until issue provided that the animals are housed in larger enclosures with adequate enrichment, and these housing conditions do not cause any welfare deficit such as increased levels of aggression, morbidity or mortality, stereotypes and other behavioural deficits, weight loss, or other physiological or behavioural stress responses.

(5) Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23).

(6) Floor area excluding shelves.

(7) Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances.

(8) The top of the enclosure shall be at least 1,8 m from the floor.

(9) Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances.

(10) Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances.

(11) An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to three animals.

(12) An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to two animals.

(13) In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with their mother.

(14) Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances.

(15) An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to 2 animals.

(16) In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with their mothers.

(17) Council Directive 91/629/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves (OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 28).

(18) Council Directive 91/630/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs (OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 33).

(19) Pigs may be confined in smaller enclosures for short periods of time, for example by partitioning the main enclosure using dividers, when justified on veterinary or experimental grounds, for example where individual food consumption is required.

(20) To ensure adequate space is provided, space allowances for each individual animal shall be based on height to withers (WH).

(21) Council Directive 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens (OJ L 203, 3.8.1999, p. 53).

(22) Council Directive 2007/43/EC of 28 June 2007 laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production (OJ L 182, 12.7.2007, p. 19).

(23) This shall include a pond of minimum area 0,5 m2 per 2 m2 enclosure with a minimum depth of 30 cm. The pond may contribute up to 50 % of the minimum enclosure size.

(24) Pre-fledged birds may be held in enclosures with a minimum height of 75 cm.

(25) Pond sizes are per 2 m2 enclosure. The pond may contribute up to 50 % of the minimum enclosure size.

(26) Measured from snout to vent.

(27) These conditions apply to holding (i.e. husbandry) tanks but not to those tanks used for natural mating and super-ovulation for reasons of efficiency, as the latter procedures require smaller individual tanks. Space requirements determined for adults in the indicated size categories; juveniles and tadpoles shall either be excluded, or dimensions altered according to the scaling principle.

(28) Measured from snout to vent.

(29) Measured from snout to vent.

(30) One-third land division, two-thirds water division sufficient for animals to submerge.

(31) Measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of the enclosures shall be adapted to the interior design.

(32) Measured from snout to vent.

(33) Two-thirds land division, one-third water division sufficient for animals to submerge.

(34) Measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of the enclosures shall be adapted to the interior design.

(35) Measured from snout to vent.

(36) Two-thirds land division, one-third pool division sufficient for animals to submerge.

(37) Measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of the enclosures shall be adapted to the interior design.

(38) Measured in a straight line from the front edge to the back edge of the shell.

(39) Measured from snout to tail.

(40) Measured from the surface of the land division up to the inner part of the top of the terrarium; furthermore, the height of the enclosure shall be adapted to the interior design.



ANNEX IV

METHODS OF KILLING ANIMALS

1. In the process of killing animals, methods listed in the table below shall be used.

Methods other than those listed in the table may be used:

(a)on unconscious animals, providing the animal does not regain consciousness before death;

(b)on animals used in agricultural research, when the aim of the project requires that the animals are kept under similar conditions to those under which commercial farm animals are kept; these animals may be killed in accordance with the requirements laid down in Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (1).

2. The killing of animals shall be completed by one of the following methods:

(a)confirmation of permanent cessation of the circulation;

(b)destruction of the brain;

(c)dislocation of the neck;

(d)exsanguination; or

(e)confirmation of the onset of rigor mortis.

3. Table

Animals-remarks/methodsFishAmphibiansReptilesBirdsRodentsRabbitsDogs, cats, ferrets and foxesLarge mammalsNon-human primates
Anaesthetic overdose(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)
Captive bolt(2)
Carbon dioxide(3)
Cervical dislocation(4)(5)(6)
Concussion/percussive blow to the head(7)(8)(9)(10)
Decapitation(11)(12)
Electrical stunning(13)(13)(13)(13)(13)(13)
Inert gases (Ar, N2)(14)
Shooting with a free bullet with appropriate rifles, guns and ammunition(15)(16)(15)

Requirements

1.Shall, where appropriate, be used with prior sedation.

2.Only to be used on large reptiles.

3.Only to be used in gradual fill. Not to be used for foetal and neonate rodents.

4.Only to be used for birds under 1 kg. Birds over 250 g shall be sedated.

5.Only to be used for rodents under 1 kg. Rodents over 150 g shall be sedated.

6.Only to be used for rabbits under 1 kg. Rabbits over 150 g shall be sedated.

7.Only to be used for birds under 5 kg.

8.Only to be used for rodents under 1 kg.

9.Only to be used for rabbits under 5 kg.

10.Only to be used on neonates.

11.Only to be used for birds under 250 g.

12.Only to be used if other methods are not possible.

13.Specialised equipment required.

14.Only to be used on pigs.

15.Only to be used in field conditions by experienced marksmen.

16.Only to be used in field conditions by experienced marksmen when other methods are not possible.



(1) OJ L 303, 18.11.2009, p. 1.



ANNEX V

LIST OF ELEMENTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 23(3)

1.National legislation in force relevant to the acquisition, husbandry, care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

2.Ethics in relation to human-animal relationship, intrinsic value of life and arguments for and against the use of animals for scientific purposes.

3.Basic and appropriate species-specific biology in relation to anatomy, physiological features, breeding, genetics and genetic alteration.

4.Animal behaviour, husbandry and enrichment.

5.Species-specific methods of handling and procedures, where appropriate.

6.Animal health management and hygiene.

7.Recognition of species-specific distress, pain and suffering of most common laboratory species.

8.Anaesthesia, pain relieving methods and killing.

9.Use of humane end-points.

10.Requirement of replacement, reduction and refinement.

11.Design of procedures and projects, where appropriate.



ANNEX VI

LIST OF ELEMENTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 37(1)(c)

1.Relevance and justification of the following:

(a)use of animals including their origin, estimated numbers, species and life stages;

(b)procedures.

2.Application of methods to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in procedures.

3.The planned use of anaesthesia, analgesia and other pain relieving methods.

4.Reduction, avoidance and alleviation of any form of animal suffering, from birth to death where appropriate.

5.Use of humane end-points.

6.Experimental or observational strategy and statistical design to minimise animal numbers, pain, suffering, distress and environmental impact where appropriate.

7.Reuse of animals and the accumulative effect thereof on the animals.

8.The proposed severity classification of procedures.

9.Avoidance of unjustified duplication of procedures where appropriate.

10.Housing, husbandry and care conditions for the animals.

11.Methods of killing.

12.Competence of persons involved in the project.



ANNEX VII

DUTIES AND TASKS OF THE UNION REFERENCE LABORATORY

1.The Union Reference Laboratory referred to in Article 48 is the Commission’s Joint Research Centre.

2.The Union Reference Laboratory shall be responsible, in particular, for:

(a)coordinating and promoting the development and use of alternatives to procedures including in the areas of basic and applied research and regulatory testing;

(b)coordinating the validation of alternative approaches at Union level;

(c)acting as a focal point for the exchange of information on the development of alternative approaches;

(d)setting up, maintaining and managing public databases and information systems on alternative approaches and their state of development;

(e)promoting dialogue between legislators, regulators, and all relevant stakeholders, in particular, industry, biomedical scientists, consumer organisations and animal-welfare groups, with a view to the development, validation, regulatory acceptance, international recognition, and application of alternative approaches.

3.The Union Reference Laboratory shall participate in the validation of alternative approaches.



ANNEX VIII

SEVERITY CLASSIFICATION OF PROCEDURES

The severity of a procedure shall be determined by the degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm expected to be experienced by an individual animal during the course of the procedure.

Section I:   Severity categories

Non-recovery:

Procedures which are performed entirely under general anaesthesia from which the animal shall not recover consciousness shall be classified as ‘non-recovery’.

Mild:

Procedures on animals as a result of which the animals are likely to experience short-term mild pain, suffering or distress, as well as procedures with no significant impairment of the well-being or general condition of the animals shall be classified as ‘mild’.

Moderate:

Procedures on animals as a result of which the animals are likely to experience short-term moderate pain, suffering or distress, or long-lasting mild pain, suffering or distress as well as procedures that are likely to cause moderate impairment of the well-being or general condition of the animals shall be classified as ‘moderate’.

Severe:

Procedures on animals as a result of which the animals are likely to experience severe pain, suffering or distress, or long-lasting moderate pain, suffering or distress as well as procedures, that are likely to cause severe impairment of the well-being or general condition of the animals shall be classified as ‘severe’.

Section II:   Assignment criteria

The assignment of the severity category shall take into account any intervention or manipulation of an animal within a defined procedure. It shall be based on the most severe effects likely to be experienced by an individual animal after applying all appropriate refinement techniques.

When assigning a procedure to a particular category, the type of procedure and a number of other factors shall be taken into account. All these factors shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The factors related to the procedure shall include:

type of manipulation, handling,

nature of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm caused by (all elements of) the procedure, and its intensity, the duration, frequency and multiplicity of techniques employed,

cumulative suffering within a procedure,

prevention from expressing natural behaviour including restrictions on the housing, husbandry and care standards.

Examples are given in Section III of procedures assigned to each of the severity categories on the basis of factors related to the type of the procedure alone. They shall provide the first indication as to what classification would be the most appropriate for a certain type of procedure.

However, for the purposes of the final severity classification of the procedure, the following additional factors, assessed on a case-by-case basis, shall also be taken into account:

type of species and genotype,

maturity, age and gender of the animal,

training experience of the animal with respect to the procedure,

if the animal is to be reused, the actual severity of the previous procedures,

the methods used to reduce or eliminate pain, suffering and distress, including refinement of housing, husbandry and care conditions,

humane end-points.

Section III:

Examples of different types of procedure assigned to each of the severity categories on the basis of factors related to the type of the procedure

1. Mild:

(a)administration of anaesthesia except for the sole purpose of killing;

(b)pharmacokinetic study where a single dose is administered and a limited number of blood samples are taken (totalling < 10 % of circulating volume) and the substance is not expected to cause any detectable adverse effect;

(c)non-invasive imaging of animals (e.g. MRI) with appropriate sedation or anaesthesia;

(d)superficial procedures, e.g. ear and tail biopsies, non-surgical subcutaneous implantation of mini-pumps and transponders;

(e)application of external telemetry devices that cause only minor impairment to the animals or minor interference with normal activity and behaviour;

(f)administration of substances by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal routes, gavage and intravenously via superficial blood vessels, where the substance has no more than mild impact on the animal, and the volumes are within appropriate limits for the size and species of the animal;

(g)induction of tumours, or spontaneous tumours, that cause no detectable clinical adverse effects (e.g. small, subcutaneous, non-invasive nodules);

(h)breeding of genetically altered animals, which is expected to result in a phenotype with mild effects;

(i)feeding of modified diets, that do not meet all of the animals’ nutritional needs and are expected to cause mild clinical abnormality within the time-scale of the study;

(j)short-term (< 24h) restraint in metabolic cages;

(k)studies involving short-term deprivation of social partners, short-term solitary caging of adult rats or mice of sociable strains;

(l)models which expose animals to noxious stimuli which are briefly associated with mild pain, suffering or distress, and which the animals can successfully avoid;

(m)a combination or accumulation of the following examples may result in classification as ‘mild’:

(i)assessing body composition by non-invasive measures and with minimal restraint;

(ii)monitoring ECG with non-invasive techniques with minimal or no restraint of habituated animals;

(iii)application of external telemetry devices that are expected to cause no impairment to socially adapted animals and do not interfere with normal activity and behaviour;

(iv)breeding genetically altered animals which are expected to have no clinically detectable adverse phenotype;

(v)adding inert markers in the diet to follow passage of digesta;

(vi)withdrawal of food for < 24h in adult rats;

(vii)open field testing.

2. Moderate:

(a)frequent application of test substances which produce moderate clinical effects, and withdrawal of blood samples (> 10 % of circulating volume) in a conscious animal within a few days without volume replacement;

(b)acute dose-range finding studies, chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity tests, with non-lethal end-points;

(c)surgery under general anaesthesia and appropriate analgesia, associated with post surgical pain, suffering or impairment of general condition. Examples include: thoracotomy, craniotomy, laparotomy, orchidectomy, lymphadenectomy, thyroidectomy, orthopaedic surgery with effective stabilisation and wound management, organ transplantation with effective management of rejection, surgical implantation of catheters, or biomedical devices (e.g. telemetry transmitters, minipumps etc.);

(d)models of induction of tumours, or spontaneous tumours, that are expected to cause moderate pain or distress or moderate interference with normal behaviour;

(e)irradiation or chemotherapy with a sublethal dose, or with an otherwise lethal dose but with reconstitution of the immune system. Adverse effects would be expected to be mild or moderate and would be short-lived (< 5 days);

(f)breeding of genetically altered animals which are expected to result in a phenotype with moderate effects;

(g)creation of genetically altered animals through surgical procedures;

(h)use of metabolic cages involving moderate restriction of movement over a prolonged period (up to 5 days);

(i)studies with modified diets that do not meet all of the animals’ nutritional needs and are expected to cause moderate clinical abnormality within the time-scale of the study;

(j)withdrawal of food for 48 hours in adult rats;

(k)evoking escape and avoidance reactions where the animal is unable to escape or avoid the stimulus, and are expected to result in moderate distress.

3. Severe:

(a)toxicity testing where death is the end-point, or fatalities are to be expected and severe pathophysiological states are induced. For example, single dose acute toxicity testing (see OECD testing guidelines);

(b)testing of device where failure may cause severe pain, distress or death of the animal (e.g. cardiac assist devices);

(c)vaccine potency testing characterised by persistent impairment of the animal’s condition, progressive disease leading to death, associated with long-lasting moderate pain, distress or suffering;

(d)irradiation or chemotherapy with a lethal dose without reconstitution of the immune system, or reconstitution with production of graft versus host disease;

(e)models with induction of tumours, or with spontaneous tumours, that are expected to cause progressive lethal disease associated with long-lasting moderate pain, distress or suffering. For example tumours causing cachexia, invasive bone tumours, tumours resulting in metastatic spread, and tumours that are allowed to ulcerate;

(f)surgical and other interventions in animals under general anaesthesia which are expected to result in severe or persistent moderate postoperative pain, suffering or distress or severe and persistent impairment of the general condition of the animals. Production of unstable fractures, thoracotomy without adequate analgesia, or trauma to produce multiple organ failure;

(g)organ transplantation where organ rejection is likely to lead to severe distress or impairment of the general condition of the animals (e.g. xenotransplantation);

(h)breeding animals with genetic disorders that are expected to experience severe and persistent impairment of general condition, for example Huntington’s disease, Muscular dystrophy, chronic relapsing neuritis models;

(i)use of metabolic cages involving severe restriction of movement over a prolonged period;

(j)inescapable electric shock (e.g. to produce learned helplessness);

(k)complete isolation for prolonged periods of social species e.g. dogs and non-human primates;

(l)immobilisation stress to induce gastric ulcers or cardiac failure in rats;

(m)forced swim or exercise tests with exhaustion as the end-point.