ANNEX IIIREQUIREMENTS 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 procedures | up to 20 | 330 | 60 | 12 | 1 January 2017 |
over 20 to 25 | 330 | 70 | 12 | ||
over 25 to 30 | 330 | 80 | 12 | ||
over 30 | 330 | 100 | 12 | ||
Breeding | 330 For a monogamous pair (outbred/inbred) or a trio (inbred). For each additional female plus litter 180 cm2 shall be added. | 12 | |||
Stock at breeders11Enclosure size950 cm2 | less than 20 | 950 | 40 | 12 | |
Enclosure size1 500 cm2 | less than 20 | 1 500 | 30 | 12 | |
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. | |||||
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 procedures12 | up to 200 | 800 | 200 | 18 | 1 January 2017 |
over 200 to 300 | 800 | 250 | 18 | ||
over 300 to 400 | 800 | 350 | 18 | ||
over 400 to 600 | 800 | 450 | 18 | ||
over 600 | 1 500 | 600 | 18 | ||
Breeding | 800 Mother and litter. For each additional adult animal permanently added to the enclosure add 400 cm2 | 18 | |||
Stock at breeders13Enclosure size1 500 cm2 | up to 50 | 1 500 | 100 | 18 | |
over 50 to 100 | 1 500 | 125 | 18 | ||
over 100 to 150 | 1 500 | 150 | 18 | ||
over 150 to 200 | 1 500 | 175 | 18 | ||
Stock at breeders13Enclosure size2 500 cm2 | up to 100 | 2 500 | 100 | 18 | |
over 100 to 150 | 2 500 | 125 | 18 | ||
over 150 to 200 | 2 500 | 150 | 18 | ||
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. | |||||
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. | |||||
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 procedures | up to 40 | 1 200 | 150 | 18 | 1 January 2017 |
over 40 | 1 200 | 250 | 18 | ||
Breeding | 1 200 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 procedures | up to 60 | 800 | 150 | 14 | 1 January 2017 |
over 60 to 100 | 800 | 200 | 14 | ||
over 100 | 800 | 250 | 14 | ||
Breeding | 800 Mother or monogamous pair with litter | 14 | |||
Stock at breeders14 | less than 60 | 1 500 | 100 | 14 | |
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. | |||||
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 procedures | up to 200 | 1 800 | 200 | 23 | 1 January 2017 |
over 200 to 300 | 1 800 | 350 | 23 | ||
over 300 to 450 | 1 800 | 500 | 23 | ||
over 450 to 700 | 2 500 | 700 | 23 | ||
over 700 | 2 500 | 900 | 23 | ||
Breeding | 2 500 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/EC15.
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 3 | 3 500 | 45 | 1 January 2017 |
from 3 to 5 | 4 200 | 45 | |
over 5 | 5 400 | 60 |
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 3 | 3 500 | 1 000 | 45 | 1 January 2017 |
from 3 to 5 | 4 200 | 1 200 | 45 | |
over 5 | 5 400 | 1 400 | 60 |
Table 2.3.Rabbits less than 10 weeks of age
Table 2.3 is to be used for both cages and pens.
Age | Minimum enclosure size(cm2) | Minimum floor area per animal(cm2) | Minimum height(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weaning to 7 weeks | 4 000 | 800 | 40 | 1 January 2017 |
From 7 to 10 weeks | 4 000 | 1 200 | 40 |
Table 2.4.Rabbits: Optimal dimensions for raised areas for enclosures having the dimensions indicated in Table 2.1.
Age in weeks | Final body weight(kg) | Optimum size(cm x cm) | Optimum height from the enclosure floor(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
over 10 | less than 3 | 55 × 25 | 25 | 1 January 2017 |
from 3 to 5 | 55 × 30 | 25 | ||
over 5 | 60 × 35 | 30 |
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.
Floor16(m2) | Shelves(m2) | Height(m) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum for one adult animal | 1,5 | 0,5 | 2 | 1 January 2017 |
For each additional animal add | 0,75 | 0,25 | — | |
Floor area excluding shelves. | ||||
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 20 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 January 2017 |
over 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
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 5 | 4 | 0,5 | 2 | 1 January 2017 |
over 5 to 10 | 4 | 1,0 | 2 | |
over 10 to 15 | 4 | 1,5 | 2 | |
over 15 to 20 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |
over 20 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
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 g | 4 500 | 1 500 | 50 | 1 January 2017 |
Animals over 600 g | 4 500 | 3 000 | 50 | |
Adult males | 6 000 | 6 000 | 50 | |
Jill and litter | 5 400 | 5 400 | 50 |
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 117 or 2 animals plus offspring up to 5 months old(m2) | Minimum volume per additional animal over 5 months(m3) | Minimum enclosure height(m)18 | Date referred to in Article 33(2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marmosets | 0,5 | 0,2 | 1,5 | 1 January 2017 |
Tamarins | 1,5 | 0,2 | 1,5 | |
Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances. | ||||
The top of the enclosure shall be at least 1,8 m from the floor. | ||||
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 119 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
2,0 | 0,5 | 1,8 | 1 January 2017 |
Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances. | |||
For squirrel monkeys, separation from the mother shall not take place before 6 months of age.
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 age21 | 2,0 | 3,6 | 1,0 | 1,8 | 1 January 2017 |
Animals from 3 yrs of age22 | 2,0 | 3,6 | 1,8 | 1,8 | |
Animals held for breeding purposes23 | 3,5 | 2,0 | |||
Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances. | |||||
An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to three animals. | |||||
An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to two animals. | |||||
In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with their mother. | |||||
For macaques and vervets, separation from the mother shall not take place before 8 months of age.
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 age25 | 4,0 | 7,2 | 3,0 | 1,8 | 1 January 2017 |
Animals from 4 yrs of age25 | 7,0 | 12,6 | 6,0 | 1,8 | |
Animals held for breeding purposes26 | 12,0 | 2,0 | |||
Animals shall be kept singly only in exceptional circumstances. | |||||
An enclosure of minimum dimensions may hold up to 2 animals. | |||||
In breeding colonies no additional space/volume allowance is required for young animals up to 2 years of age housed with their mothers. | |||||
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/EEC27 and 91/630/EEC28.
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 100 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 0,1 | 0,3 | 1 January 2017 |
over 100 to 200 | 4,25 | 3,4 | 0,15 | 0,5 | |
over 200 to 400 | 6,0 | 4,8 | 0,18 | 0,6 | |
over 400 to 600 | 9,0 | 7,5 | 0,21 | 0,7 | |
over 600 to 800 | 11,0 | 8,75 | 0,24 | 0,8 | |
over 800 | 16,0 | 10,0 | 0,3 | 1,0 |
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 20 | 1,0 | 0,7 | 1,0 | 0,1 | 0,25 | 1 January 2017 |
over 20 to 35 | 1,5 | 1,0 | 1,2 | 0,1 | 0,3 | |
over 35 to 60 | 2,0 | 1,5 | 1,2 | 0,12 | 0,4 | |
over 60 | 3,0 | 1,8 | 1,5 | 0,12 | 0,5 |
Table 7.3.Pigs and minipigs
Live weight(kg) | Minimum enclosure size29(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 5 | 2,0 | 0,2 | 0,1 | 1 January 2017 |
over 5 to 10 | 2,0 | 0,25 | 0,11 | |
over 10 to 20 | 2,0 | 0,35 | 0,18 | |
over 20 to 30 | 2,0 | 0,5 | 0,24 | |
over 30 to 50 | 2,0 | 0,7 | 0,33 | |
over 50 to 70 | 3,0 | 0,8 | 0,41 | |
over 70 to 100 | 3,0 | 1,0 | 0,53 | |
over 100 to 150 | 4,0 | 1,35 | 0,7 | |
over 150 | 5,0 | 2,5 | 0,95 | |
Adult (conventional) boars | 7,5 | 1,3 | ||
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. | ||||
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 animals | For each animal held in groups of 4 or more animals | Foaling box/mare with foal | |||
1,00 to 1,40 | 9,0 | 6,0 | 16 | 3,0 | 1 January 2017 |
over 1,40 to 1,60 | 12,0 | 9,0 | 20 | 3,0 | |
over 1,60 | 16,0 | (2 × WH)230 | 20 | 3,0 | |
To ensure adequate space is provided, space allowances for each individual animal shall be based on height to withers (WH). | |||||
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/EC31 and 2007/43/EC32.
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 200 | 1,0 | 0,025 | 30 | 3 | 1 January 2017 |
over 200 to 300 | 1,0 | 0,03 | 30 | 3 | |
over 300 to 600 | 1,0 | 0,05 | 40 | 7 | |
over 600 to 1 200 | 2,0 | 0,09 | 50 | 15 | |
over 1 200 to 1 800 | 2,0 | 0,11 | 75 | 15 | |
over 1 800 to 2 400 | 2,0 | 0,13 | 75 | 15 | |
over 2 400 | 2,0 | 0,21 | 75 | 15 |
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 0,3 | 2,0 | 0,13 | 50 | 3 | 1 January 2017 |
over 0,3 to 0,6 | 2,0 | 0,17 | 50 | 7 | |
over 0,6 to 1 | 2,0 | 0,3 | 100 | 15 | |
over 1 to 4 | 2,0 | 0,35 | 100 | 15 | |
over 4 to 8 | 2,0 | 0,4 | 100 | 15 | |
over 8 to 12 | 2,0 | 0,5 | 150 | 20 | |
over 12 to 16 | 2,0 | 0,55 | 150 | 20 | |
over 16 to 20 | 2,0 | 0,6 | 150 | 20 | |
over 20 | 3,0 | 1,0 | 150 | 20 |
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 150 | 1,0 | 0,5 | 0,1 | 20 | 4 | 1 January 2017 |
Over 150 | 1,0 | 0,6 | 0,15 | 30 | 4 |
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)33 | Minimum height(cm) | Minimum length of feed trough per bird(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ducks | 1 January 2017 | ||||
Up to 300 | 2,0 | 0,1 | 50 | 10 | |
Over 300 to 1 20034 | 2,0 | 0,2 | 200 | 10 | |
Over 1 200 to 3 500 | 2,0 | 0,25 | 200 | 15 | |
Over 3 500 | 2,0 | 0,5 | 200 | 15 | |
Geese | |||||
Up to 500 | 2,0 | 0,2 | 200 | 10 | |
Over 500 to 2 000 | 2,0 | 0,33 | 200 | 15 | |
Over 2 000 | 2,0 | 0,5 | 200 | 15 | |
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. | |||||
Pre-fledged birds may be held in enclosures with a minimum height of 75 cm. | |||||
Area(m2) | Depth(cm) | |
|---|---|---|
Ducks | 0,5 | 30 |
Geese | 0,5 | from 10 to 30 |
Pond sizes are per 2 m2 enclosure. The pond may contribute up to 50 % of the minimum enclosure size. | ||
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 size | Minimum 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 6 | 2 | 200 | 5 | 30 | 1 January 2017 |
from 7 to 12 | 3 | 200 | 5 | 30 | |
for each additional bird above 12 | 0,15 | 5 | 30 |
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 size | Minimum enclosure size(m2) | Minimum height(cm) | Minimum number of feeders | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 6 | 1,0 | 100 | 2 | 1 January 2017 |
7 to 12 | 1,5 | 200 | 2 | |
13 to 20 | 2,0 | 200 | 3 | |
for each additional bird above 20 | 0,05 | 1 per 6 birds |
9.Amphibians
Table 9.1.Aquatic urodeles
Body length36(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 10 | 262,5 | 50 | 13 | 1 January 2017 |
over 10 to 15 | 525 | 110 | 13 | |
over 15 to 20 | 875 | 200 | 15 | |
over 20 to 30 | 1 837,5 | 440 | 15 | |
Over 30 | 3 150 | 800 | 20 | |
Measured from snout to vent. | ||||
Body length38(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 6 | 160 | 40 | 6 | 1 January 2017 |
from 6 to 9 | 300 | 75 | 8 | |
over 9 to 12 | 600 | 150 | 10 | |
over 12 | 920 | 230 | 12,5 | |
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. | ||||
Measured from snout to vent. | ||||
Table 9.3.Semi-aquatic anurans
Body length39(cm) | Minimum enclosure size40(cm2) | Minimum area for each additional animal in group holding(cm2) | Minimum enclosure height41(cm) | Minimum water depth(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
up to 5,0 | 1 500 | 200 | 20 | 10 | 1 January 2017 |
over 5,0 to 7,5 | 3 500 | 500 | 30 | 10 | |
Over 7,5 | 4 000 | 700 | 30 | 15 | |
Measured from snout to vent. | |||||
One-third land division, two-thirds water division sufficient for animals to submerge. | |||||
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. | |||||
Table 9.4.Semi-terrestrial anurans
Body length42(cm) | Minimum enclosure size43(cm2) | Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding(cm2) | Minimum enclosure height44(cm) | Minimum water depth(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 5,0 | 1 500 | 200 | 20 | 10 | 1 January 2017 |
over 5,0 to 7,5 | 3 500 | 500 | 30 | 10 | |
over 7,5 | 4 000 | 700 | 30 | 15 | |
Measured from snout to vent. | |||||
Two-thirds land division, one-third water division sufficient for animals to submerge. | |||||
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. | |||||
Table 9.5.Arboreal anurans
Body length45(cm) | Minimum enclosure size46(cm2) | Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding(cm2) | Minimum enclosure height47(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
up to 3,0 | 900 | 100 | 30 | 1 January 2017 |
Over 3,0 | 1 500 | 200 | 30 | |
Measured from snout to vent. | ||||
Two-thirds land division, one-third pool division sufficient for animals to submerge. | ||||
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. | ||||
10.Reptiles
Table 10.1.Aquatic chelonians
Body length48(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 5 | 600 | 100 | 10 | 1 January 2017 |
Over 5 to 10 | 1 600 | 300 | 15 | |
Over 10 to 15 | 3 500 | 600 | 20 | |
Over 15 to 20 | 6 000 | 1 200 | 30 | |
Over 20 to 30 | 10 000 | 2 000 | 35 | |
Over 30 | 20 000 | 5 000 | 40 | |
Measured in a straight line from the front edge to the back edge of the shell. | ||||
Table 10.2.Terrestrial snakes
Body length49(cm) | Minimum floor area(cm2) | Minimum area for each additional animal in group-holding(cm2) | Minimum enclosure height50(cm) | Date referred to in Article 33(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
up to 30 | 300 | 150 | 10 | 1 January 2017 |
Over 30 to 40 | 400 | 200 | 12 | |
Over 40 to 50 | 600 | 300 | 15 | |
Over 50 to 75 | 1 200 | 600 | 20 | |
Over 75 | 2 500 | 1 200 | 28 | |
Measured from snout to tail. | ||||
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. | ||||
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.