Introduction

Article 5 in Directive 86/609 of the Council of the European Communities states:

Animal needs are summarized in a report on farm animals by the Brambell Committee which referred to the provision of “Five Freedoms.” These were reported as:

1. Freedom from malnutrition;

2. Freedom from injury and disease;

3. Freedom from thermal and physical discomfort;

4. Freedom from fear and stress;

5. Freedom to express most normal patterns of behaviour.

These freedoms are not confined solely to farm animals but are applicable to all animals maintained in captivity, including those kept within laboratories as breeding stock or for experimental use.

The scientist and the animal technician must be constantly aware that animals housed in the laboratory either for breeding or scientific studies lack the self-sufficiency of their wild counterparts. They are completely dependent on him, or her, for all these physiological and ethological needs; they have a limited ability to vary or improve their environmental conditions by seeking warmer or cooler areas, are unable to vary their food or seek out additional supplies should they become depleted, and have no control over access to liquid as this is usually from a single source; and the space in which they exercise, mate, and socialize is controlled and confined.