Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91997E3783

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3783/97 by Carlos PIMENTA to the Commission. EU funding of humane trap testing** 
  
*Official Journal C 223 , 17/07/1998 P. 0021*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3783/97 by Carlos Pimenta (PPE) to the Commission (26 November 1997)

Subject: EU funding of humane trap testing

In accordance with Annex I, Part IV of the proposed Agreement on international humane trapping standards between the European Community. Canada and the Russian Federation (97/C 207/11) ((OJ C 207, 8.7.1997, p. 14. )), the European Community agrees to undertake a specific research programme to '... improve scientific knowledge in the field of evaluation of the welfare of trapped animals ...'. The proposed scientific EC research programme relates to Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) and is to be undertaken within a three year time-frame.

Can the Commission indicate the budget line from which this research is to be funded: confirm that any such research will conform strictly with the requirements of Directive 86/609/EEC ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. )), indicate the likely start date for this research; and explain the exact nature of the research to be undertaken and the number of animals to be used?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1998)

Under Article 9 and Part IV of Annex I to the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards between the European Community, Canada and the Russian Federation, the signatories have undertaken to promote and encourage research that can be used to develop these standards. The research carried out by each of the signatories will be coordinated by the Joint Management Committee provided for in Article 14 of the Agreement.

The Community has undertaken to carry out research on the ondatha zibethicus (musk rat) within three years of the entry into force of the Agreement. The research will be part-financed by the Commission under the appropriate budget headings, which have not yet been identified.

The procedure for promoting such research will be started as soon as possible after entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 60 days after the last instrument of ratification, conclusion or adoption has been submitted in accordance with the rules applicable to each signatory. The Commission confirms that the terms of reference for this research will specify that it must be conducted in accordance with relevant Community law, and in particular Directive 86/609/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes, to which the Honourable Member refers. As specified in point 6.1 of Part IV of Annex I, the main focus of the research will be on the relevance of certain behavioural and physiological indicators in evaluating the welfare of trapped animals, with a view to developing the humane trapping standards contained in the Agreement. It is too early to say how many animals will have to be used for the research, since that depends on the research design.

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