The European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123) concerns the use of animals in procedures (experiments). Its provisions cover areas such as care and accommodation, conduct of experiments, humane killing, authorisation procedures, control of breeding or supplying and user establishments, education and training, and statistical information. The Convention includes two technical Appendices presenting respectively guidelines for accommodation and care of animals (Appendix A) and tables for the presentation of statistical data on the use of animals for scientific purposes (Appendix B).

At the Multilateral Consultations held in 1992, 1993 and 1997, the Parties adopted Resolutions aiming at facilitating and harmonising the implementation of certain provisions of the Convention.

For their work, the Parties have invited non-member States of the Council of Europe and cooperated very closely with non-governmental organisations representing the fields concerned: scientists, veterinarians, laboratory animal breeders, animal protection associations, specialists in animal science, representatives of the pharmaceutical industry etc. who participated as observers in the meetings.

In June 1998, a Protocol of Amendment (ETS No. 170) providing for a simplified procedure for the amendment to the technical appendices to the Convention was opened for signature.

In 1998, the Parties to the Convention undertook a revision of Appendix A to the Convention, on the accommodation and care of animals. The Working Party completed the revision of the Appendix at its 8th meeting, from 22 to 24 September 2004, and submitted it to the Multilateral Consultation of the Parties for adoption.

This Appendix contains guidelines based on present knowledge and good practice for the accommodation and care of animals. It explains and supplements the basic principles adopted in Article 5 of the Convention. The objective of the Appendix is thus to provide guidance to help authorities, institutions and individuals in their pursuit of the aims of the Council of Europe in this matter. 

The Appendix entered into force twelve months after its adoption, i.e. on 15 June 2007, as required by Article 31 of the Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes.

Resolutions adopted by the Multilateral Consultation of the Parties to the European Convention on the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes

• Resolution on the accommodation and care of laboratory animals (adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 30 May 1997)
• Resolution on the acquisition and transport of laboratory animals (adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 30 May 1997)
• Resolution on education and training of persons working with laboratory animals (adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 3 December 1993)
• Resolution on the interpretation of certain provisions and terms of the Convention (adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 27 November 1992)

Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe

• Recommendation Rec(2003)10 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on xenotransplantation (adopted on 19 June 2003)

Other documents

• Appendix A adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 15 June 2006
• Declaration of Intent concerning animals used for scientific purposes (04 December 1997)

• Governmental resources
• Non-governmental resources