Animal Welfare Regulations - (Apply to Pet Merchants Only)

Part 3 - Standards: Subpart C - Specifications For Handling, Care, Treatment And Transportation Of Rabbits

Section 3.61 Primary Enclosures Used To Transport Rabbits

1. Primary enclosures, such as compartments or transport cages, cartons, or crates, used to transport rabbits, shall be well-constructed, well-ventilated and designed to protect the health and insure the safety of these animals. Such enclosures shall be constructed or positioned in the vehicle in such a manner that (1) each animal in the vehicle has access to sufficient air for normal breathing, (2) the openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the animals, and (3) the animals are afforded adequate protection from the elements. The ambient temperature shall not be allowed to exceed 85 nor fall below that temperature to which the animals are acclimated.
   
   
2. Rabbits transported in the same primary enclosure shall be in compatible groups and shall not be transported in the same primary enclosures with other species of animals.
   
   
3. Primary enclosures used to transport rabbits shall be large enough to insure that each rabbit contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely, and to make normal postural adjustments. Not more than 15 rabbits shall be transported in the same primary enclosure.
   
   
4. Rabbits shall not be placed in primary enclosures over other animals in transit unless each enclosure is fitted with a floor of a material which prevents animal excreta from entering lower enclosures.
   
   
5. Primary enclosures used to transport rabbits shall be cleaned and sanitized between shipments. All litter in the vehicle shall be clean at the beginning of each trip.