Protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental purposes* (Item Approved Without Debate - Extract from: Report from the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 22 July)

Brussels, 29 Jul 2003

( 11208/03 + 11260/03 ADD 1)

The Council adopted a Decision concerning the conclusion of the Protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. This Decision authorises the President of the Council to designate the person or persons empowered to sign the Protocol of Amendment to the Convention on behalf of the Community (i.e. the Commission).

This Protocol aims to set out a simplified procedure to amend the technical Appendices to the Convention, to enable it to reflect the latest scientific and technical developments and results in the research within the fields covered.

The Convention, which was opened for signature at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 18 March 1986, entered into force in the territory of the Community on 1 November 1998. It includes general provisions designed to safeguard animals intended to be used for experimental and scientific purposes from suffering pain and distress. The Convention also has the long-term objective of replacing such use in cases where it is possible to do so, in particular by seeking alternative measures and encouraging the use of these alternative measures.

For more detailed information on this Decision, please consult 11208/03 on the public register of Council documents ( http://register.consilium.eu.int/utfregi ster/frames/introfsFR.htm; links: search in the register; simple/advanced search).

The Commission has made a statement stressing the need for the Member States to deposit their act of ratification of the Protocol of Amendment to the Convention by April 2004. To have access to the full text of the statement, please consult 11260/03 ADD 1 on the public register of Council documents ( http://register.consilium.eu.int/utfregi ster/frames/introfsFR.htm; links: search in the register; simple/advanced search).

In this field, the Council also adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the Community, amendments to Appendix A (accommodation and care guidelines) to the Convention. The Commission will conduct these negotiations en consultation with a special committee designated by the Council, and in accordance with the Community legislation on the matter.

http://ue.eu.int/pressData/en/agricult/7 6850.pdf