Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council introducing humane trapping standards for certain animal species
Date: 2004-07-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Community certification, animal welfare, fur-bearing animal, hunting regulations, international standard, standardisation

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 30.7.2004 
COM(2004) 532 final 

2004/0183 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL  

introducing humane trapping standards for certain animal species 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

IMPLEMENTATION  OF  THE  COMMITMENTS  AND  OBLIGATIONS  ARISING 
FROM THE AGREEMENT 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

In 1998, the Community decided to conclude two international agreements for the purpose of 
establishing humane trapping standards at an international level.  

The  first  agreement  was  concluded  with  Canada  and  the  Russian  Federation  and  was 
approved by Council Decision 98/142/EC of 26 January 19981 (hereinafter: the Agreement).  

The second one concerns the United States of America and has the form of an agreed minute. 
This was approved by Council Decision 98/487/EC of 13 July 19982. 

At  present,  the  commitments  and  obligations  arising  from  these  engagements  have  to  be 
implemented by the Community. 

For reasons of clarity references will hereinafter only be made to the Agreement as it is the 
most detailed act. Nevertheless, the agreement with the USA is substantially similar to the one 
concluded with the Russian Federation and Canada. 

The  Agreement  has  been  inspired  by  the  desire  to  agree  on  international  humane  trapping 
standards as well as to avoid trade disputes with the main international fur exporters.  

The  Agreement  has  been  applied  provisionally  between  the  Community  and  Canada  since 
June 1999, pending its entry into force which requires ratification by the Russian Federation. 

2. 

THE AGREEMENT 

The  Agreement  on  international  humane  trapping  standards  consists  of  17  Articles  and  4 
Annexes.  The  objectives  of  the  Agreement  are  to  establish  standards  on  humane  trapping 
methods,  to  improve  communication  and  co-operation  between  the  Parties  for  the 
implementation  and  development  of  these  standards  and  facilitate  trade  of  furs  and  traps 
between the Parties. The aim of the humane trapping standards is to ensure a sufficient level 
of welfare of trapped animals, and to further improve this welfare. 

With regard to the present proposal, the following observations can be made concerning the 
Agreement.  

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Council  Decision  98/142/EC  of  26  January  1998  concerning  the  conclusion  of  an  Agreement  on 
international  humane  trapping  standards  between  the  European  Community,  Canada  and  the  Russian 
Federation  and  of  an  Agreed  Minute  between  Canada  and  the  European  Community  concerning 
the signing of the said Agreement (OJ L 42, 14.2.1998, p. 40). 
Council Decision 98/487/EC of 13 July 1998 concerning the conclusion of an International Agreement 
in the form of an Agreed Minute between the European Community and the United States of America 
on humane trapping standards (OJ L 219, 7.8.1998, p. 24). 

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According  to  the  Agreement,  the  Parties  are  obliged  to  prohibit  within  the  agreed  timetable 
the use of all restraining and killing traps which do not meet the humane trapping standards 
for the 193 animal species4 listed in the Annex I of the Agreement. 

Therefore  the  trapping  methods  used  must  be  tested  according  to  the  specified  standards  to 
ensure  a  sufficient  level  of  welfare  of  trapped  animals.  Consequently  appropriate  processes 
for  certifying  tested  traps  must  be  established.  The  Agreement  applies  to  all  killing  and 
restraining mechanical capturing devices (traps) used for the trapping of the 19 wild terrestrial 
or  semi-aquatic  mammals  listed  for  the  purpose  of  wildlife  management  including  pest 
control, obtaining fur, skin or meat and for the capture of mammals for conservation.  

The key obligations for the Parties are laid down in Article 7 of the Agreement. This Article 
requires  that  appropriate  processes  for  certifying  traps  in  accordance  with  the  standards  are 
established  and  the  competent  authorities  ensure  that  the  trapping  methods  used  in  their 
territories are in accordance with the standards. The agreed timetable in Annex I indicates the 
deadlines by which these obligations must be met. Accordingly, the Parties must ensure that 
trapping methods for restraining animals are tested to demonstrate their conformity with the 
humane trapping standards and certified within three to five years after the entry into force of 
the  Agreement,  depending  on  the  testing  priorities  and  availability  of  testing  facilities.  For 
trapping methods designed to kill, the deadline is five years after the entry into force of the 
Agreement. The use of uncertified traps must be prohibited within three years after the end of 
the above periods.  

The  Parties  to  the  Agreement  must  promote  research  on  the  ongoing  development  of  the 
Standards and re-evaluate and update Annex I to the Agreement. The Agreement obliges the 
Parties  to  improve  scientific  knowledge  for  evaluating  the  welfare  of  trapped  animals  (e.g. 
particular  measurements  to  be  studied).  Accordingly,  each  Party  must  promote  further 
research  for  the  following  species:  Ondatra  zibethicus  (muskrat)-European  Community, 
Procyon  lotor-Canada,  Martes  zibellina-  Russian  Federation.  The  Commission  has  fulfilled 
this obligation by commissioning a study on muskrats. The final report was submitted in June 
2003  and  provides  information  on  the  assessment  of  the  behaviour  and  physiological 
parameters (e.g. heart rate) of trapped muskrats. 

The four Annexes to the Agreement contain the humane trapping standards, the list of animal 
species  concerned,  the  implementation  schedule,  guidelines  for  the  testing  of  traps  and  for 
research on the ongoing development of trapping methods, research programmes to improve 
the scope of the standards, provisions for an arbitration body and the declarations of Parties.  

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Martes Americana, Marten   

During  the  negotiations  the  number  of  animals  figuring  in  Annex  I,  part  2,  of  the  Agreement  was 
extended from 13 to 19 species at the request of the other Parties who wished that a larger number of 
European species was included. 
Canis latrans, Coyote 
Felix rufus, Bobcat 
Martes pennant, Fischer 
Procyon lotor, Raccoon 
Mustela erminea, Ermine 
Lynx canadensis, Lynx NA 
Taxidea taxus, Badger NA 
Nyctereutes procyonoides, Raccoon dog  Castor fiber, Beaver E 
Castor canadensis, Beaver NA 
Lutra canadensis, Otter NA 

Ondata zibethicus, Muskrat  
Martes zibellina, Sable 
Lynx lynx, Lynx E   
Meles meles, Badger E 
Canis lupus, Wolf   

Lutra lutra, Otter E 
Martes martes, Pine marten 

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The “Declaration by the European Community” states that the Community “will not take any 
measure  implementing  Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No  3254/91  during  the  time  reasonably 
needed  for  the  other  Parties  to  ratify  the  Agreement  and,  after  ratification,  as  long  as  the 
Agreement remains in force and is applied according to its provisions”. 

A  study5  was  carried  out  on  behalf  of  the  Commission  on  how  the  obligations  of  the 
Agreement  are  already  implemented  through  existing  legislation  in  the  Member  States. 
According to the information received, animals are usually trapped in the Member States for 
reasons  of  pest  control  or  because  they  destroy  crops,  damage  property,  carry  diseases, 
threaten  game  or  cause  flooding.  In  4  Member  States  some  species  are  also  occasionally 
trapped  for  their  fur.  Generally  speaking  the  Member  States  have  not  yet  adjusted  their 
legislation to implement the Agreement. The existing national legislation varies from Member 
State  to  Member  State  in  relation  to  trapping  at  national  and/or  regional  level.  A 
harmonisation of legislation is therefore necessary so that the Community will be able to fulfil 
its international obligations under the Agreement. 

Stakeholders,  experts  and  NGO’s  have  been  consulted.  Their  opinions  concerning  amongst 
others  the  testing  of  trapping  methods  and  the  certification  procedure  have  been  taken  into 
account in this proposal. However, it was not considered appropriate to agree to requests for 
the  establishment  of  centralised  Community  testing  facilities  or  Community  funding  of  trap 
testing. 

3. 

RELATION BETWEEN EXISTING LEGISLATION AND DRAFT DIRECTIVE  

In the Community, the use of all leghold traps is prohibited by Council Regulation (EEC) No 
3254/91 of 4 November 1991 prohibiting the use of leghold traps in the Community and the 
introduction  into  the  Community  of  pelts  and  manufactured  goods  of  certain  wild  animal 
species  originating  in  countries  which  catch  them  by  means  of  leghold  traps  or  trapping 
methods which do not meet international humane trapping standards6.  This prohibition is to 
be found in its Article 2. 

Moreover, Article 3(1) of that Regulation prohibits the  importations into the Community of 
pelts  and  manufactured  goods  of  13  specifically  mentioned  wild  animal  species.  Such 
importations  are,  however,  permitted  from  third  countries  that,  in  their  legislation  or 
administrative provisions, prohibit the use of leghold traps and from third countries that, with 
regard  to  these  13  animal  species,  impose  the  application  of  internationally  agreed  humane 
trapping standards.  

The  Agreement  (in  particular  Article  5)  permits  the  Community  to  maintain  this  general 
prohibition. Thus, even after adoption of the new Directive, the use of all leghold traps, even 
those  that  are  in  conformity  with  the  humane  trapping  standards,  will  remain  prohibited 
within the Community.  

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‘Evaluation  of  the  situation  in  the  Member  States’  as  a  technical  support  for  the  preparation  of  the 
implementation  of  the  Agreement’  done  by  FACE  (Federation  of  Associations  for  Hunting  and 
Conservation of the EU) in 1999-2000. 
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91, OJ L 308, 9.11.1991, p. 1. 

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In practice, the new Directive will therefore only apply to traps other than leghold traps that 
producers want to be considered as “humane”. Moreover, with regard to other animal species 
than the 19 mentioned in the Annexes to the Agreement, the use of traps, other than leghold 
traps, that do not comply with the humane trapping standards will remain possible, if they are 
in conformity with other Community legislation. 

The proposal implements the environmental part of the Agreement and is limited in scope and 
content to what is necessary to ensure that the European Community meets its international 
obligations by ensuring that the agreed humane trapping standards are respected. 

The  proposal  does  not  intend  to  harmonise  all  technical  requirements  in  relation  to  the 
marketing or the placing on the market of traps. The proposal only intends to ban the use of 
“inhumane” traps used for catching animals belonging to the listed species.  

The  trade  related  parts  of  the  Agreement  concerning  the  promotion  of  international  trade  in 
fur products made from furs coming from trapped animals belonging to the species covered 
by  the  Agreement  will  be  assured  by  an  amendment  to  the  Annex  to  Regulation  (EEC) 
N°3254/91  whereby  the  number  of  wild  animal  species  covered  will  be  extended  from 
13 to 19.  

4. 

THE DRAFT DIRECTIVE 

Legal Basis and Recitals 

It is proposed to implement the Agreement via a directive. This approach is in line with the 
proportionality  principle.  It  provides  for  the  necessary  flexibility  to  accommodate  different 
situations  and  enable  existing  national  and  regional  provisions  in  the  Member  States  to  be 
adjusted more readily. Moreover, most obligations in the Agreement are drafted in a flexible 
way and are more suitable for inclusion in a directive than in a regulation. 

Article  175  has  been  chosen  as  the  legal  base  for  this  proposal  on  the  grounds  that  the 
Directive aims to play an essential role in the protection and conservation of species of wild 
fauna  by  providing  a  sufficient  level  of  protection  of  the  welfare  of  trapped  animals.  The 
purpose of the proposal at issue is to implement within the Community internationally agreed 
humane trapping standards in order to contribute to, promote and increase animal welfare and 
species protection through avoiding unnecessary distress and pain to the trapped animal.  

The purpose of this Directive is not to deprive Member States of the power to maintain or and 
adopt more stringent measures concerning trapping and hunting, in the future. As an example, 
Member  States  could  be  willing  to  apply  the  humane  trapping  standards  to  other  animal 
species than the 19 mentioned.  

Therefore, Article 175 constitutes the appropriate legal basis since it allows Member States to 
adopt stricter rules on the basis of Article 176 on the condition that such rules are compatible 
with the Treaty and, more in particular, with its rules concerning the free movement of goods.  

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Enacting part 

Article  1  of  the  proposal  concerns  the  subject  matter  and  scope.  Accordingly,  the  Directive 
establishes  humane  trapping  standards,  requirements  for  trapping  methods,  technical 
provisions for the testing of trapping methods and the certification of traps for trapping certain 
wild animal species and concerns traps used for  the  trapping  of  the  wild  mammals  listed  in 
Annex  I  for  the  purposes  of  wildlife  management,  pest  control,  capture  of  mammals  for 
conservation and obtaining fur, skin or meat. 

Article 2 of the proposal defines the relevant terms used in the enacting part. 

Article  3  of  the  proposal  requires  Member  States  to  designate  competent  authorities  for  the 
purpose of implementation of the Directive. 

Article 4 of the proposal sets out the conditions for the general use of traps. After the date of 1 
January  2009  only  certified  traps  may  be  put  into  use  to  trap  the  19  animal  species  listed. 
Moreover, it establishes the principle that the use of traps certified in third countries will be 
allowed in the Community. 

Article 5 imposes upon the Member States to ensure that, as from 1 January 2012, no trapping 
methods  are  used  that  are  not  in  conformity  with  the  humane  trapping  standards.  In  its 
paragraphs  2  and  3  the  criteria  for  humane  restraining  and  killing  trapping  methods  are 
specified. 

In  Article  6  the  derogations  to  the  general  obligations  in  Articles  4(1)  and  5  are  regrouped. 
Thus,  derogations  may  be  granted  on  a  case-by-case  basis  for  defined  purposes  such  as  the 
interests  of  public  health  and  safety;  protection  of  public  and  private  property;  research, 
education, repopulation, reintroduction, breeding and the protection of fauna and flora, as well 
as  to  allow  the  use  of  traditional  wooden  traps  essential  for  preserving  cultural  heritage  of 
indigenous communities. Also, the use of a trap can be admitted on a temporary basis while 
awaiting  the  results  of  research  into  replacement  traps.  Finally,  Member  States  may  allow 
individuals to construct and use traps which comply with designs approved by the competent 
authorities.  These  traps  constructed  by  individuals  are  meant  to  be  simple  home-made  traps 
for private use. Consequently, as the certification system and all the testing requirements for 
an industrial manufacturer cannot be applied for practical reasons, if a Member State wants to 
allow the use of such traps, the competent authority will have to approve the general design of 
those traps and to make the appropriate disposition within the framework of its enforcement 
system.  It  is  not  possible  at  this  stage  to  define  the  appropriate  design  for  all  home-made 
traps.  However,  the  competent  authority  should  check  these  traps  against  the  established 
humane  trapping  standards  without  going  formally  through  the  testing  and  certification 
procedures. 

Article  7  of  the  proposal  deals  with  certification  of  traps  where  the  traps  and  the  trapping 
methods  have  been  tested  to  demonstrate  their  conformity  with  the  humane  trapping 
standards. This means that Member States shall ensure that only traps and trapping methods 
that  have  been  tested  and  demonstrate  their conformity  with  the  humane  trapping  standards 
are  certified.  For  these  traps,  the  competent  authorities  of  the  Member  States  have  the 
responsibility to deliver a standard certification document, as appropriate, containing specific 
conditions and restrictions regarding the use of the traps concerned. 

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As a standard certification document will contribute to a better harmonisation of procedures 
concerning  certification  and  facilitate  mutual  recognition,  a  standard  certification  document 
will be elaborated on the basis of Article 14. 

Article  8  of  the  proposal  requires  Member  States  to  ensure  that  trappers  are  competent  and 
have proper knowledge or receive training. 

Article  9  of  the  proposal  dealing  with  manufacturers  provides  that  Member  States  must 
require manufacturers to identify certified traps and provide instructions for their appropriate 
setting, safe operation and maintenance. 

Article  10  of  the  proposal  requires  that  Member  States  promote  and  encourage  research  in 
relation  to  improvement  and  extension  of  the  humane  trapping  standards  with  the  aim  to 
improve the welfare of the trapped animals. This does not take away the responsibility of the 
Commission to also encourage such research. 

Article 11 of the proposal contains a standard penalty provision. 

Article  12  of  the  proposal  requires  communication  of  information  between  the  Commission 
and the Member States. Member States must also ensure that the necessary steps are taken to 
make the public aware of the measures pursuant to the Directive. 

Article 13 of the proposal indicates that the Commission should be assisted by the Committee 
established by Article 18 of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the 
protection  of  species  of  wild  fauna  and  flora  by  regulating  the  trade  therein7,  acting  in  a 
regulatory capacity. Its purpose is to assist in the implementation of the Directive and to agree 
on  technical  amendments  to  the  Annexes  of  the  Directive.  It  is  proposed  that  scientific  and 
technical  information  in  relation  to  the  standards  and  testing  in  the  Annexes  should  be 
reviewed by the Committee. The Committee is also expected to give opinions on certification 
and research to improve the standards. It shall also assist in the preparation of the meetings of 
the Joint Management Committee of the Agreement. 

Article  14  of  the  proposal  outlines  implementing  measures  and  amendments  requiring  the 
Commission in accordance with the Committee procedure to lay down conditions and criteria 
for  notifications,  communication  of  information  and  for  the  drawing  up  of  a  standard 
certification document. Moreover, it is provided that, where necessary, the Commission shall 
amend the Annexes to the Directive in accordance with the Committee procedure. 

Article  15  of  the  proposal  establishes  that  Member  States  may  maintain  and  apply  more 
stringent provisions.  

Article 16 of the proposal contains provisions for transposition. It sets out the deadline, which 
is 31 December 2005. 

Article 17 of the proposal contains the entry in force provision. 

Article 18 of the proposal states contains the standard clause concerning addressees. 

7 

OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1. 

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The  4  Annexes  to  the  proposal  contain  the  list  of  animal  species  concerned  (Annex  I),  the 
humane  trapping  standards  (Annex  II),  technical  provisions  for  the  testing  of  trapping 
methods (Annex III) and research related details (Annex IV). 

5. 

IMPACTS 

With  regard  to  the  impact  assessment  process,  the  Commission  during  the  adoption  of  its 
legislative  and  work  programme  for  2003,  in  November  2002,  decided  not  to  include  this 
proposal in the list of proposals having to undergo an extended impact assessment. It should 
furthermore  be  noted  that  the  impact  assessment  is  generally  used  as  a  tool  to  improve  the 
quality and coherence of the policy development process. However, in this case, the Council 
has already concluded the Agreement and accepted the proposed policy. Taking into account 
the above-mentioned points, no specific impact assessment was made. 

This  Directive  has  no  financial  consequences  for  the  budget  of  the  Community.  However, 
economic impacts arise from the demands of the Agreement on testing and certification of the 
traps.  Moreover,  the  cost  of  the  replacement  of  traps  that  are  not  certified  could  also  be  an 
important  element.  There  are  inherent  difficulties  predicting  costs,  as  the  cost  will  vary 
depending  on  the  target  species.  For  example  field-testing  of  a  trap  method  for  a  common 
species  is  less  time  consuming,  and  thus  less  costly,  than  for  a  more  trap-shy  species.  The 
rough estimate is that the testing of one trapping method according to the standards for one 
animal species could cost between 30.000-100.000 Euro depending on the trap type and the 
type and nature of the animal species concerned. 

Given the relatively modest costs it is proposed to leave the allocation of costs to the Member 
States. Concerning cost allocation there are a variety of options for the Member States, each 
with advantages and disadvantages. Trap manufacturers, Member States and trap users could 
pay the costs. Requiring manufacturers to pay is likely to limit the range of traps submitted for 
testing to widely used traps where manufacturers can be reasonably sure of recovering costs. 
They could be less humane than other newly developed traps. As a result, it is possible that 
there would be no certified traps for certain species and an improvement of traps towards the 
most humane traps could not be guaranteed. If trapping can not take place, other means such 
as  poisoning  could  be  used  for  pest  control  which  causes  suffering  to  the  animals  and  can 
have negative effects on the environment. Further possible impacts as a result of non-trapping 
could result in the loss of biodiversity and damage caused by floods (muskrat control).  The 
proposal  leaves  enough  flexibility  with  respect  to  the  testing  of  trapping  methods  and 
certification of traps to avoid such potentially negative impacts. However, it may be necessary 
to review funding mechanisms in the light of the experience with the implementation of the 
Directive. 

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2004/0183 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL  

introducing humane trapping standards for certain animal species 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular 
Article 175(1) thereof,  

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission8, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee9, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions10, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty11, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

In 1998 two agreements on international humane trapping standards were approved by 
the Community through Council Decision 98/142/EC of 26 January 1998 concerning 
the conclusion of an Agreement on international humane trapping standards between 
the  European  Community,  Canada  and  the  Russian  Federation  and  of  an  Agreed 
Minute between Canada and the European Community concerning the signing of the 
said  Agreement12,  and  Council  Decision  98/487/EC  of  13  July  1998  concerning  the 
conclusion  of  an  International  Agreement  in  the  form  of  an  Agreed  Minute  between 
the  European  Community  and  the  United  States  of  America  on  humane  trapping 
standards13. The commitments and obligations arising from those Agreements should 
therefore be implemented. 

(2) 

The  Agreements  not  only  aim  at  ensuring  that  the  international  humane  trapping 
standards  are  respected  with  regard  to  the  technical  characteristics  of  traps,  but  also 
that the methods used for the trapping of the nineteen concerned species comply with 
these  humane  trapping  standards.  Moreover,  the  humane  trapping  standards  impose 
specific training for trappers. 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 

OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ L 42, 14.2.1998, p. 40. 
OJ L 219, 7.8.1998, p. 24. 

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(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

As  humane  traps  have  to  be  selective,  efficient  and  in  compliance  with  the  relevant 
requirements for human safety, the application of these internationally agreed humane 
trapping  standards  will  have  a  positive  effect  on  the  welfare  of  the  trapped  animals 
contributing  to  the  protection  of  species  of  wild  fauna  both  within  and  outside  the 
Community. Ensuring a sufficient level of welfare of wild animals when trapped for 
wildlife management purposes and for the capture of those mammals for conservation 
should  contribute  to  implementing  the  objectives  of  the  Community’s  environment 
policy. More in particular, by so doing, the Community will contribute to a prudent, 
sustainable  and  rational  utilisation  of  natural  resources  and  promote  measures  at 
international level to deal with world-wide environmental problems. 

The effective application of humane trapping methods implies that traps must not only 
be  certified  as  being  in  compliance  with  the  humane  trapping  standards,  but  also,  in 
accordance with these standards, be handled by trappers qualified to trap. 

Certification of traps should rely on prior testing. Testing and certification need not to 
be  done  by  the  same  body  or  within  the  same  State  provided  that  both  operations 
comply  with  the  requirements  of  this  Directive.  Certified  traps  should  be  easily 
identifiable  and  information  for  their  use  in  accordance  with  humane  trapping 
standards should be made available. Conversely, the use of not certified traps should 
not be possible, except when expressly authorised in the general interest, on the expiry 
of a sufficient period of time enabling testing and certification to take place.  

Research to improve humane trapping standards should be encouraged and promoted. 

This  Directive  is  without  prejudice  to  more  stringent  Community  legislation,  and  in 
particular Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91 of 4 November 1991 prohibiting the 
use  of  leghold  traps  in  the  Community  and  the  introduction  into  the  Community  of 
pelts and manufactured goods of certain wild animal  species originating in  countries 
which catch them by means of leghold traps or trapping methods which do not meet 
international  humane  trapping  standards14.  Thus  all  use  of  leghold  traps  will  remain 
prohibited within the Community.  

This  Directive  is  also  without  prejudice  to  Articles  12  and  15  of  Council  Directive 
92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna 
and flora15. 

the  obligations  of 

In accordance with the principle of proportionality, it is necessary and appropriate for 
the  achievement  of  the  basic  objective  of  this  Directive  to  lay  down  rules 
implementing 
the  Agreements  on 
international  humane  trapping  standards  as  set  out  in  Decisions  98/142/EC  and 
98/487/EC. This Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve 
the  objectives  pursued,  in  accordance  with  the  third  paragraph  of  Article  5  of  the 
Treaty. 

the  Community  under 

14 
15 

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91, OJ L 308, 9.11.1991, p. 1. 
OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European 
Parliament and of the Council, (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1). 

EN 

10 

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(10)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in 
accordance  with  Council  Decision  1999/468/EC  of  28  June  1999  laying  down  the 
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission16, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

Article 1 

Subject matter and scope 

1. 

2. 

This  Directive  establishes  humane  trapping  standards,  requirements  for  trapping 
methods,  technical  provisions  for  the  testing  of  trapping  methods  and  the 
certification of traps for trapping certain wild animal species. 

This  Directive  concerns  traps  used  for  the  trapping  of  the  wild  mammals  listed  in 
Annex I for the purposes of wildlife management, pest control, capture of mammals 
for conservation and obtaining fur, skin or meat. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

For the purpose of this Directive the following definitions shall apply: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

‘Ttraps’  means  mechanical  capturing  devices  designed  for  killing  or  restraining 
animals of the species set out in Annex I; 

‘Trapping methods’ means traps and their setting conditions, such as target species, 
positioning, lure, bait and natural environmental conditions; 

‘Restraining  trapping  methods’  means  traps  designed  and  set  with  the  intention  of 
not  killing  a  trapped animal, but restraining  its movements to such an extent that a 
human can make direct contact with it; 

‘Killing trapping methods’ means traps designed and set with the intention of killing 
a trapped animal; 

‘Trapper’ means a person who is authorised by the competent authority of a Member 
State to use traps for trapping the animal species listed in Annex I; 

Article 3 

Competent authorities 

1. 

Each Member State shall designate one or more competent authorities responsible for 
the implementation of this Directive. 

16 

OJL 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23 

EN 

11 

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2. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

Member  States  shall  inform  the  Commission  of  the  names  and  addresses  of  the 
competent  authorities  by  31  December  2005  at  the  latest.  The  Commission  shall 
inform  the  other  Member  States  thereof  and  publish  a  list  of  the  competent 
authorities in the Official Journal of the European Union. The same procedure shall 
apply to any changes to the list of competent authorities. 

Article 4 

Use of traps 

As from 1 January 2009, Member States shall ensure that traps to be put into use are 
in conformity with the humane trapping standards set out in Annex II and certified as 
such by the competent authorities. 

Member States may permit within their territories the use of traps certified in a third 
country in accordance with the humane trapping standards. Member States shall state 
the  reasons  for  any  refusal  to  do  so  and  notify  in  writing  the  third  country  of 
certification and the Commission.  

Article 5 

Trapping methods 

As from 1 January 2012, Member States shall ensure that only trapping methods are 
used that are in accordance with the humane trapping standards set out in Annex II. 

A  restraining  trapping  method  shall  be  considered  humane  if  the  following 
conditions are fulfilled:  

(a) 

(b) 

the  number  of  specimens  of  the  same  target  species  from  which  the  data  are 
derived is at least 20; 

at least 80 % of the animals referred to in point (a) show none of the indicators 
listed in point 2.2 of Annex II. 

3. 

A killing trapping method shall be considered humane if the following conditions are 
fulfilled: 

(a) 

(b) 

the  number  of  specimens  of  the  same  target  species  from  which  the  data  is 
derived is at least 12; 

at  least  80  %  of  the  animals  referred  to  in  point  (a)  are  unconscious  and 
insensible within the time limits set out in point 3.2 of Annex II, and remain in 
this state until death. 

EN 

12 

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Article 6 

Derogations 

1. 

Provided that they are not applied in a manner that would undermine the aim of this 
Directive,  derogations  from  the  obligations  in  Article  4(1)  and  Article  5  may  be 
granted  by  the  competent  authorities,  on  a  case  by  case  basis,  for  the  following 
purposes: 

(a) 

the interests of public health and safety;  

(b)  protection of public and private property;  

(c) 

research, education, repopulation, reintroduction, breeding or for the protection 
of fauna and flora;  

(d)  using  traditional  wooden  traps  essential  for  preserving  cultural  heritage  of 

indigenous communities; 

(e) 

using  of  a  particular  trap  for  specific  species  or  under  specific  environmental 
conditions on a temporary basis for a reasonable time defined by the competent 
authorities while research continues to identify replacement traps; 

(f) 

allowing, on a case by case basis, individuals to construct and use traps which 
comply with designs approved by the competent authorities. 

A  derogation  granted  in  accordance  with  paragraph  1  shall  be  accompanied  by 
written reasons and any conditions applicable to it.  

The competent authority shall notify the Commission of any derogation granted and 
the written reasons and conditions relating thereto. 

Article 7 

Certification 

Where  traps  and  their  trapping  methods  have  been  tested  and  demonstrate  their 
conformity with the humane trapping standards, Member States shall ensure that the 
competent authority certifies such traps. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  a  standard  certification  document  is  delivered  in 
respect of any traps, the use of which has been permitted under Article 4(1). 

Without  prejudice  to  national  prohibitions  relating  to  the  use  of  traps,  a  standard 
certification document delivered by the competent authority of another Member State 
in accordance with this Directive shall be recognised as a valid certificate in the other 
Member States.  

The  competent  authority  shall  indicate  on  the  standard  certification  document,  as 
appropriate, any specific conditions and restrictions for the use of the trap. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

EN 

13 

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5. 

Before certifying a trap the competent authority shall ensure that the entity or body 
responsible  for  the  testing  has  applied  the  technical  provisions  for  the  testing  of 
trapping methods set out in Annex III and has provided the competent authority with 
a report in accordance with point 1.6 of that Annex. 

Article 8 

Trappers 

Member States shall ensure that trappers receive specific training or have equivalent practical 
experience,  competence  and  knowledge  qualifying  them  to  trap  according  to  the  humane 
trapping standards. 

Article 9 

Manufacturers 

Member States shall require manufacturers to identify certified traps and provide instructions 
for their appropriate setting, safe operation and maintenance. 

Article 10 

Research 

Member  States  shall  promote  and  encourage  research  contributing  towards  improvement  of 
the humane trapping standards and of the welfare of the trapped animal in accordance with the 
provisions in Annex IV.  

Article 11 

Penalties 

Member  States  shall  lay  down  the  rules  on  penalties  applicable  to  infringements  of  the 
national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to 
ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate 
and  dissuasive.  The  Member  States  shall  notify  those  provisions  to  the  Commission  by  the 
date specified in Article 16(1) at the latest and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent 
amendment affecting them. 

Article12 

Communication of information 

Member  States  and  the  Commission  shall  communicate  to  one  another  the 
information necessary for implementing this Directive. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  the  necessary  steps  are  taken  to  make  the  public 
aware of the measures adopted pursuant to this Directive 

14 

   EN 

1. 

2. 

EN 

 
Article 13 

Committee 

1. 

2. 

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  the  Committee  established  by  Article  18  of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 338/9717 (hereinafter referred to as "the Committee"). 

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Articles  5  and  7  of  Decision 
1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.  

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months. 

3. 

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. 

Article 14 

Implementing measures and amendments 

1. 

Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2), the Commission 
shall lay down uniform conditions and criteria for: 

(a) 

the notifications referred to in Article 4(2) and 6(1); 

(b) 

the communication of information referred to in Article 12; 

(c) 

the  drawing  up  of  a  standard  certification  document  for  the  purpose  of 
Article 7. 

The  Commission  shall,  where  necessary,  and  in  accordance  with  the  procedure 
referred to in Article 13(2), adopt additional implementing measures. 

2. 

Whenever the Annexes to the Agreement and Agreed minutes referred to in Decision 
98/142/EC  and  98/487/EC  are  amended,  the  Commission  shall  in  accordance  with 
the  procedure  referred  to  in  Article  13(2)  amend  the  Annexes  to  this  Directive 
accordingly.  

Article 15 

Relationship with national law 

Member States may maintain or introduce more stringent provisions than those laid down in 
this Directive for the protection of animals and animal species in Annex I. They shall inform 
the Commission of any such measures. 

17 

OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1. 

EN 

15 

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Article 16 

Transposition 

1. 

Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 December 2005 at the latest, the laws, 
regulations  and  administrative  provisions  necessary  to  comply  with  this  Directive. 
They  shall  forthwith  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  text  of  those  provisions 
and a correlation table between those provisions and this Directive.  

They shall apply those provisions from 1 January 2006. 

When  Member  States  adopt  these  measures,  they  shall  contain  a  reference  to  this 
Directive  or  shall  be  accompanied  by  such  a  reference  on  the  occasion  of  their 
official  publication.  Member  States  shall  determine  how  such  reference  is  to 
be made. 

2. 

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions 
of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive. 

Article 17 

Entry in force 

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

Article 18 

Addressees 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, […] 

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

EN 

16 

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ANNEX I 

LIST OF ANIMAL SPECIES 

The humane trapping standards apply to the following animal species: 

Canis latrans 

Coyote 

Martes americana 

Marten 

Martes pennanti 

Fischer 

Ondata zibethicus 

Muskrat 

Procyon lotor 

Raccoon 

Martes zibellina 

Sable 

Mustela erminea 

Ermine 

Lynx lynx 

Lynx E 

Lynx canadensis 

Lynx NA 

Meles meles 

Badger E 

Taxidea taxus 

Badger NA 

Canis lupus 

Wolf 

Castor fiber 

Beaver E 

Castor canadensis 

Beaver NA 

Lutra lutra 

Otter E 

Felix rufus 

Bobcat 

Lutra canadensis 

Otter NA 

Martes martes 

Pine marten 

Raccoon dog 

Nyctereutes 
procyonoides 

E = European 

NA = North American 

EN 

17 

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ANNEX II 

1. 

THE HUMANE TRAPPING STANDARDS  

1.1. 

Aims 

The aim of the Standards is to ensure a sufficient level of welfare of trapped animals, 
and to further improve this welfare. 

Notwithstanding  that  the  trapping  methods  must  meet  the  requirements  of  this 
Directive, consideration should be given to continuing the improvement of the design 
and setting of traps, in particular to: 

(a) 

improving the welfare of animals trapped in restraining traps during the 
period of restraint;  

(b)  producing  rapid  onset  of  unconsciousness  and  insensibility  of  animals 

trapped in killing traps; and 

(c)  minimising the capture of non-target animals. 

1.2. 

Principle 

In  the  evaluation  of  whether  or  not  a  trapping  method  is  humane,  the  welfare  of  a 
trapped animal must be assessed. 

1.3. 

General considerations 

Welfare of animals can be indicated by measures of the extent of ease or difficulty in 
their  coping  with  the  environment  and  the  extent  of  failure  to  cope  with  their 
environment.  Since  animals  vary  in  the  methods  that  they  use  to  try  to  cope  with 
their environment, a range of measures should be used when assessing their welfare. 

Indications  of  welfare  of  trapped  animals  include  those  of  physiology,  injury  and 
behaviour.  Since  some  of  these  indicators  have  not  been  studied  for  a  variety  of 
species,  further  scientific  studies  will  be  necessary  to  set  thresholds  under  these 
Standards, as appropriate. 

Although welfare can vary widely, the term 'humane` is used only for those trapping 
methods  where  the  welfare  of  the  animals  concerned  is  maintained  at  a  sufficient 
level,  although  it  is  acknowledged  that  in  certain  situations  with  killing  traps  there 
will be a short period of time during which the level of welfare may be poor. 

The thresholds established in the Standards for the certification of traps include: 

(a) 

(b) 

for restraining traps: the level of indicators beyond which the welfare of 
trapped animals is considered poor; and 

for  killing  traps:  the  time  to  unconsciousness  and  insensibility  and  the 
maintenance of this state until death of the animal. 

EN 

18 

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2. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTRAINING TRAPPING METHODS  

2.1. 

Parameters 

In  the  evaluation  of  whether  or  not  a  restraining  trapping  method  meets  these 
Standards the welfare of an animal that is trapped must be assessed. 

The parameters must include indicators of behaviour and injury listed in 2.2 of this 
Annex II. 

The magnitude of responses for each of those parameters must be assessed. 

2.2. 

Indicators 

The behavioural indicators recognised as indicators of poor welfare in trapped wild 
animals are: 

(a) 

self-directed biting leading to severe injury (self-mutilation);  

(b) 

excessive immobility and unresponsiveness. 

Inquiries (injuries) recognised as indicators of poor welfare in trapped wild animals 
are: 

(a) 

fracture;  

(b) 

joint luxation proximal to the carpus or tarsus;  

(c) 

severance of a tendon or ligament;  

(d)  major periosteal abraison;  

(e) 

severe external haemorrhage or haemorrhage into an internal cavity;  

(f)  major skeletal muscle degeneration;  

(g) 

limb ischaemia;  

(h) 

fracture of a permanent tooth exposing pulp cavity;  

(i) 

ocular damage including corneal laceration;  

(j) 

spinal cord injury;  

(k) 

severe internal organ damage;  

(l)  myocardial degeneration;  

(m)  amputation;  

(n)  death. 

EN 

19 

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3. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR KILLING TRAPPING METHODS 

3.1. 

Parameters 

The time of occurrence of unconsciousness and insensibility produced by the killing 
technique must be determined and the maintenance of this state until death must be 
checked (i.e., until heart function has ceased irreversibly). 

Unconsciousness  and  insensibility  must  be  monitored  by  checking  corneal  and 
palpebral reflexes or any other scientifically proven suitable substitute parameter. 

In cases where further tests are necessary to determine if the trapping method meets 
the  standards,  additional  electroencephalogram  (EEG),  visual  evoked  response 
(VER), and sound evoked response (SER) measurements may be made. 

3.2. 

Indicators and time limits 

Time  limit  to  loss  of  corneal  and 
palpebral reflex 

Species 

45 seconds 

120 seconds 

300 seconds * 

Mustela erminea 

Martes  americana,  Martes  zibellina, 
Martes martes 

All other species listed in Annex I of 
this Directive 

* this time limit will be reviewed with the aim to adapt the time limit requirement on 
a species-by-species basis, with a view to lowering the 300 seconds time limit to 180 
seconds, and to define a time-frame for implementation. 

EN 

20 

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ANNEX III 

1. 

TECHNICAL  PROVISIONS  FOR  THE  TESTING  OF  TRAPPING 
METHODS 

To  ensure  accuracy  and  reliability,  and  to  demonstrate  that  trapping  methods  fulfil 
the requirements set out in the Standards studies for testing those trapping methods 
must follow the general principles of good experimental practices. 

In the event that testing procedures are established under the framework of ISO, the 
International Organisation for Standardisation, and that such procedures are relevant 
for  the  assessment  of  the  conformity  of  trapping  methods  with  some  or  all  the 
requirements of the Standards, the ISO procedures may be used as appropriate. 

1.1. 

General provisions 

Tests must be performed according to comprehensive study protocols. 

The functioning of the trap mechanism must be tested. 

Testing  of  traps  in  the  field  is  to  be  carried  out  in  particular  for  the  assessment  of 
selectivity. This test can also be used to collect data on capture efficiency and user 
safety. 

Restraining traps must be tested in a compound, in particular to evaluate behaviour 
and  physiological  parameters.  Killing  traps  must  be  tested  in  a  compound,  in 
particular to identify unconsciousness. 

In the field tests, traps are to be checked daily. 

The effectiveness of the killing traps to render the target animal unconscious and kill 
it must be tested on conscious, mobile animals, by laboratory or compound and field 
measurements.  The  ability  of  the  trap  to  strike  the  target  animal  at  vital  locations 
needs to be evaluated. 

The order of testing procedures may be varied to ensure the most effective evaluation 
of the traps to be tested. 

Traps may not expose the operator to undue hazard under normal use. 

If appropriate, a broader range of measures can be checked when testing traps. Field 
testing  can  include  studies  of  the  effects  of  trapping  on  both  target  and  non-target 
species. 

EN 

21 

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1.2. 

Study situation 

The  trap  must  be  set  and  used  according  to  the  best  advice  from  manufacturers  or 
others on how to do so. 

For  compound  testing,  a  compound  must  be  used  that  provides  a  suitable 
environment for the animals of the target species to move freely, hide and show most 
normal  behaviour.  It  must  be  possible  to  set  traps  and  monitor  trapped  animals.  If 
appropriate the trap must be set so that video and sound recording can be made of the 
whole trapping episode. 

For field testing, sites are to be selected that are representative of those that will be 
used in practice. Since the selectivity of the trap and any possible adverse effects of 
the  trap  on  non-target  species  are  important  reasons  for  field  testing,  sites  for  field 
testing may need to be chosen in different habitats where different non-target species 
are  likely  to  be  encountered.  Pictures  of  each  trap  and  its  set  and  of  the  general 
environment should be taken. The trap identification number should be made a part 
of the photographic record before and after a strike. 

1.3. 

Study personnel 

Test personnel must be appropriately qualified and trained. 

Among the test personnel there must be at least one person experienced in the use of 
the traps, and capable of trapping the animals used in the test and at least one person 
experienced in each of the methods of welfare assessment for restraining traps and in 
methods of assessing unconsciousness for killing traps. For example, the assessment 
of behavioural responses to trapping and of aversiveness must be done in particular 
by a trained person who is familiar with the interpretation of such data. 

1.4. 

Animals to be used in trap testing 

Compound test animals should be in good health and representative of those that are 
likely  to  be  caught  in  the  wild.  The  animals  used  should  not  have  prior  trapping 
experience of the trap being tested. 

Prior  to  the  testing  of  traps,  animals  must  be  housed  in  appropriate  conditions  and 
provided with adequate food and water. Animals may not be housed in a manner that 
might in itself result in poor welfare. 

Animals are to be acclimatised to the testing compound prior to the start of the test. 

EN 

22 

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1.5. 

Observations 

Behaviour 

Behavioural  observations  are  to  be  made  by  a  trained  person,  particularly  in 
reference to the knowledge of the ethology of the species. 

Aversiveness  can  be  assessed  by  trapping  the  animal  in  a  readily  recognised 
situation,  then  re-exposing  the  animal  to  the  trap  in  the  appropriate  situation  and 
evaluating its behaviour. 

Care should be taken to distinguish responses to additional stimuli from responses to 
the trap or the situation. 

Physiology 

Some  animals  are  to  be  fitted  with  telemetric  recorders  (e.g.,  to  record  heart  rate, 
respiratory rate) before testing. Such fitting must occur long enough before trapping 
for  the  animal  to  recover  from  any  disturbance  caused  by  having  been  fitted  with 
such recorders. 

All  precautions  must  be  taken  to  limit  inadequate  or  biased  observations  and 
parameters, especially those due to human interference when sampling. 

When biological sampling (e.g., of blood, urine, saliva) is performed, it must be done 
at times relevant to the trapping event and the time-dependent considerations of the 
parameter  being  evaluated.  Control  data  from  animals  kept  elsewhere  in  good 
conditions and for different activities, baseline data before the trapping event occurs, 
and  some  reference  data  after  extreme  stimulations  (e.g.,  a  challenge  test  with 
adrenocorticotrophic hormone) can also be collected. 

All biological samples must be taken and stored according to the best knowledge to 
ensure conservation before analysis. 

Analytical methods used should be validated. 

For  killing  traps,  when  neurological  examinations  using  reflexes  (such  as  pain  or 
eyes) are performed in combination with the measurement of an EEG and/or VERs 
or SERs, they must be done by an expert, to provide relevant information concerning 
the consciousness of the animal of the effectiveness of the killing technique. 

When the animals are not unconscious and insensible within the time described in the 
test protocol, they must be killed in a humane way. 

Injuries and pathology 

Each test animal must be carefully examined so as to assess any injury. Radiographic 
examination should be conducted to confirm possible fractures. 

EN 

23 

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Further  detailed  pathological  examination  of  dead  animals  should  be  carried  out. 
Post-mortem  examination  should  be  performed  in  accordance  with  accepted 
veterinary examination practices by an experienced veterinarian. 

The  affected  organs  or/and  regions  are  to  be  examined  macroscopically,  and 
histologically if appropriate. 

1.6. 

Report 

The study report must contain all relevant information about the experimental design, 
materials and methods, and results, in particular: 

(a) 

the  technical  description  of  the  trap  design  including  construction 
material;  

(b)  manufacturers' instructions for use;  

(c) 

the description of the test situation;  

(d)  weather conditions, in particular temperature and snow depth;  

(e) 

the test personnel;  

(f) 

the number of animals and traps tested;  

(g) 

the  total  number  of  captured  target  and  non-target  animals  of  each 
species,  and  their  relative  abundance  expressed  as  rare,  common  or 
abundant in that area;  

(h) 

selectivity;  

(i) 

details of any evidence that the trap was activated and injured an animal 
that was not caught;  

(j) 

behavioural observations;  

(k)  values of each physiological parameter measured and methodologies;  

(l) 

description of injuries and post-mortem examinations;  

(m) 

time to loss of consciousness and sensibility; and 

(n) 

statistical analyses. 

EN 

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1. 

RESEARCH  

ANNEX IV 

An appropriate range of measures of the welfare of animals that are trapped must be 
assessed  when  testing  trapping  systems.  While  such  measures,  in  particular 
additional  behavioural  and  physiological  measures,  have  not  been  developed  and 
used  for  a  variety  of  species,  their  use  in  these  Standards  for  the  species  under 
consideration  will  have  to  be  verified  by  scientific  studies  carried  out  to  determine 
baseline levels, ranges of response, and other relevant measures. 

Objectives 

The research promoted and encouraged pursuant to Article 11 must in particular be 
aimed at the establishment of baselines and reference data necessary to set thresholds 
for additional parameters, or to evaluate the relevance of other welfare measurement 
not  included  in  the  present  scope  of  Section  2.3  of  these  Standards,  including  a 
number of behavioural and physiological indicators. 

Particular measurements to be studied 

The parameters to be studied must, in particular, include: 

(a) 

behavioural  responses  after  trapping,  including  vocalisations,  extreme  panic, 
delay  before  return  to  normal  behaviour  after  release  from  trap  and 
aversiveness.  In  aversiveness  testing,  the  extent  of  avoidance  or  resistance  to 
close  approach  to  the  previously  experienced  trapping  situation  must  be 
evaluated; and 

(b)  physiological parameters, including heart rate and arrhythmia, and biochemical 
parameters  (blood,  urine  or  saliva  measures)  as  appropriate  for  the  species, 
including  glucocorticoid  concentrators,  prolactin  concentrations,  creatine 
kinase  activity,  lectate  dehydrogenase  (and  possibly  iso-enzyme  5)  and  Beta 
Endorphin levels (if assays exist). 

The  magnitude  of  response  of  the  physiological  parameters  will  refer  to  basal  and 
extreme levels and time dependency. 

Basal level means the quantity, concentration or rate for that physiological variable 
when the animal is not disturbed by the environmental conditions. For physiological 
variables  that  change  over  periods  of  a  few  seconds  or  minutes,  this  basal  level 
should refer to a particular activity, for example lying, standing, walking or running 
and jumping. Extreme level means close to the maximum or minimum level for such 
animals. The physiological responses referred to above are likely to be shown by all 
mammals,  but  exact  basal  and  extreme  levels  and  the  pattern  of  change  between 
these must be determined for each species tested. 

EN 

25 

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The  aspects  of  measures  of  physiological  responses  that  indicate  poor  welfare  are 
whether the measured level is far from the normal level and whether the duration of 
that altered level is significant. 

In cases where further tests are necessary to determine if the trapping method meets 
the  standards,  additional  electroencephalogram  (EEG),  visual  evoked  response 
(VER), and sound evoked response (SER) measurements may be made.) 

EN 

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