
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR3]

[Page 68-75]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
  CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 3--STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
Subpart C--Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transpor
tation of Rabbits

                   Facilities and Operating Standards

Sec. 3.50  Facilities, general.

    (a) Structural strength. Indoor and outdoor housing facilities for 
rabbits shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good 
repair, to protect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and 
to restrict the entrance of other animals.
    (b) Water and electric power. Reliable and adequate electric power, 
if required to comply with other provisions of this subpart, and 
adequate potable water shall be available.
    (c) Storage. Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in 
facilities which adequately protect such supplies against infestation or 
contamination by vermin. Refrigeration shall be provided for supplies of 
perishable food.
    (d) Waste disposal. Provision shall be made for the removal and 
disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, and debris. 
Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize 
vermin infestation, odors, and disease hazards.
    (e) Washroom and sinks. Facilities, such as washrooms, basins, or 
sinks, shall be provided to maintain cleanliness among animal 
caretakers.

[32 FR 3273, Feb. 24, 1967, as amended at 44 FR 63492, Nov. 2, 1979]

Sec. 3.51  Facilities, indoor.

    (a) Heating. Indoor housing facilities for rabbits need not be 
heated.
    (b) Ventilation. Indoor housing facilities for rabbits shall be 
adequately ventilated to provide for the health and comfort of the 
animals at all times. Such facilities shall be provided with fresh air 
either by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and shall 
be ventilated so as to minimize

[[Page 69]]

drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as 
exhaust fans and vents or air conditioning, shall be provided when the 
ambient temperature is 85  deg.F. or higher.
    (c) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities for rabbits shall have ample 
light, by natural or artificial means, or both, of good quality and well 
distributed. Such lighting shall provide uniformly distributed 
illumination of sufficient light intensity to permit routine inspection 
and cleaning during the entire working period. Primary enclosures shall 
be so placed as to protect the rabbits from excessive illumination.
    (d) Interior surfaces. The interior building surfaces of indoor 
housing facilities shall be constructed and maintained so that they are 
substantially impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized.

Sec. 3.52  Facilities, outdoor.

    (a) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause 
overheating or discomfort, sufficient shade shall be provided to allow 
all rabbits kept outdoors to protect themselves from the direct rays of 
the sun. When the atmospheric temperature exceeds 90  deg.F. artificial 
cooling shall be provided by a sprinkler system or other means.
    (b) Shelter from rain or snow. Rabbits kept outdoors shall be 
provided with access to shelter to allow them to remain dry during rain 
or snow.
    (c) Shelter from cold weather. Shelter shall be provided for all 
rabbits kept outdoors when the atmospheric temperature falls below 40 
deg.F.
    (d) Protection from predators. Outdoor housing facilities for 
rabbits shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed to minimize the entrance 
of predators.
    (e) Drainage. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly 
eliminate excess water.

Sec. 3.53  Primary enclosures.

    All primary enclosures for rabbits shall conform to the following 
requirements:
    (a) General. (1) Primary enclosures shall be structurally sound and 
maintained in good repair to protect the rabbits from injury, to contain 
them, and to keep predators out.
    (2) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to 
enable the rabbits to remain dry and clean.
    (3) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so that 
the rabbits contained therein have convenient access to clean food and 
water as required in this subpart.
    (4) The floors of the primary enclosures shall be constructed so as 
to protect the rabbits' feet and legs from injury. Litter shall be 
provided in all primary enclosures having solid floors.
    (5) A suitable nest box containing clean nesting material shall be 
provided in each primary enclosure housing a female with a litter less 
than one month of age.
    (b) Space requirements for primary enclosures acquired before August 
15, 1990. Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as 
to provide sufficient space for the animal to make normal postural 
adjustments with adequate freedom of movement. Each rabbit housed in a 
primary enclosure shall be provided a minimum amount of floor space, 
exclusive of the space taken up by food and water receptacles, in 
accordance with the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Minimum
                                                               space per
              Category                  Individual weights      rabbit
                                             (pounds)           (square
                                                                inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Groups..............................  3 through 5...........         144
                                      6 through 8...........         288
                                      9 or more.............         432
Individual adults...................  3 through 5...........         180
                                      6 through 8...........         360
                                      9 through 11..........         540
                                      12 or more............         720
Nursing females.....................  3 through 5...........         576
                                      6 through 8...........         720
                                      9 through 11..........         864
                                      12 or more............        1080
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Space requirements for primary enclosures acquired on or after 
August 15, 1990.
    (1) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to 
provide sufficient space for the animal to make normal postural 
adjustments with adequate freedom of movement.
    (2) Each rabbit housed in a primary enclosure shall be provided a 
minimum amount of floor space, exclusive of the

[[Page 70]]

space taken up by food and water receptacles, in accordance with the 
following table:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
                                       Individual weights        Minimum floor 
space     Minimum interior height
                                   --------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
                                         kg          lbs          m\2\        f
t\2\          cm           in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Individual rabbits (weaned).......            2          4.4         0.14      
    1.5        35.56           14
                                            2-4      4.4-8.8         0.28      
    3.0        35.56           14
                                          4-5.4     8.8-11.9         0.37      
    4.0        35.56           14
                                           >5.4        >11.9         0.46      
    5.0        35.56           14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
                                    Weight of nursing female    Minimum floor s
pace/     Minimum interior height
                                   --------------------------      female & lit
ter     -------------------------
                                                             ------------------
--------
                                         kg          lbs          m\2\        f
t\2\          cm           in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Females with litters..............            2          4.4         0.37      
    4.0        35.56           14
                                            2-4      4.4-8.8         0.46      
    5.0        35.56           14
                                          4-5.4     8.8-11.9         0.56      
    6.0        35.56           14
                                           >5.4        >11.9         0.70      
    7.5        35.56           14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------

    (3) Innovative primary enclosures that do not precisely meet the 
space requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, but that do 
provide rabbits with a sufficient volume of space and the opportunity to 
express species-typical behavior, may be used at research facilities 
when approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and by 
dealers and exhibitors when approved by the Administrator.

[32 FR 3273, Feb. 24, 1967, as amended at 55 FR 28883, July 16, 1990]

                  Animal Health and Husbandry Standards

Sec. 3.54  Feeding.

    (a) Rabbits shall be fed at least once each day except as otherwise 
might be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The food shall be 
free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity 
and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the 
condition and size of the rabbit.
    (b) Food receptacles shall be accessible to all rabbits in a primary 
enclosure and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by 
excreta. All food receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitized at least 
once every 2 weeks. If self feeders are used for the feeding of dry 
feed, measures must be taken to prevent molding, deterioration or caking 
of the feed.

Sec. 3.55  Watering.

    Sufficient potable water shall be provided daily except as might 
otherwise be required to provide adequate veterinary care. All watering 
receptacles shall be sanitized when dirty: Provided, however, That such 
receptacles shall be sanitized at least once every 2 weeks.

Sec. 3.56  Sanitation.

    (a) Cleaning of primary enclosures. (1) Primary enclosures shall be 
kept reasonably free of excreta, hair, cobwebs and other debris by 
periodic cleaning. Measures shall be taken to prevent the wetting of 
rabbits in such enclosures if a washing process is used.
    (2) In primary enclosures equipped with solid floors, soiled litter 
shall be removed and replaced with clean litter at least once each week.
    (3) If primary enclosures are equipped with wire or mesh floors, the 
troughs or pans under such enclosures shall be cleaned at least once 
each week. If worm bins are used under such enclosures they shall be 
maintained in a sanitary condition.
    (b) Sanitization of primary enclosures. (1) Primary enclosures for 
rabbits shall be sanitized at least once every 30 days in the manner 
provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (2) Prior to the introduction of rabbits into empty primary 
enclosures previously occupied, such enclosures

[[Page 71]]

shall be sanitized in the manner provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section.
    (3) Primary enclosures for rabbits shall be sanitized by washing 
them with hot water (180  deg.F.) and soap or detergent as in a 
mechanical cage washer, or by washing all soiled surfaces with a 
detergent solution followed by a safe and effective disinfectant, or by 
cleaning all soiled surfaces with live steam or flame.
    (c) Housekeeping. Premises (buildings and grounds) shall be kept 
clean and in good repair in order to protect the animals from injury and 
to facilitate the prescribed husbandry practices set forth in this 
subpart. Premises shall remain free of accumulations of trash.
    (d) Pest control. An effective program for the control of insects, 
ectoparasites, and avian and mammalian pests shall be established and 
maintained.

Sec. 3.57  Employees.

    A sufficient number of employees shall be utilized to maintain the 
prescribed level of husbandry practices set forth in this subpart. Such 
practices shall be under the supervision of an animal caretaker who has 
a background in animal husbandry or care.

Sec. 3.58  Classification and separation.

    Animals housed in the same primary enclosure shall be maintained in 
compatible groups, with the following additional restrictions:
    (a) Rabbits shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with 
any other species of animals unless required for scientific reasons.
    (b) Rabbits under quarantine or treatment for a communicable disease 
shall be separated from other rabbits and other susceptible species of 
animals in such a manner as to minimize dissemination of such disease.

Sec. 3.59  [Reserved]

                        Transportation Standards

    Authority: Sections 3.60 through 3.66 issued under secs. 3, 5, 6, 
10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 21; 80 Stat. 353; 84 Stat. 1561, 1562, 1563, 1564; 
90 Stat. 418, 420, 423 (7 U.S.C. 2133, 2135, 2136, 2140, 2141, 2144, 
2146, 2147, 2151); 37 FR 28464, 28477, 38 FR 19141.

    Source: Sections 3.60 through 3.66 appear at 42 FR 31565, June 21, 
1977, unless otherwise noted.

Sec. 3.60  Consignments to carriers and intermediate handlers.

    (a) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall not accept any live 
rabbit presented by any dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator 
of an auction sale, or other person, or any department, agency, or 
instrumentality of the United States or any State or local government 
for shipment, in commerce, more than 4 hours prior to the scheduled 
departure of the primary conveyance on which it is to be transported: 
Provided, however, That the carrier or intermediate handler and any 
dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator of an auction sale, or 
other person, or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
United States or any State or local government may mutually agree to 
extend the time of acceptance to not more than 6 hours if specific prior 
scheduling of the animal shipment to destination has been made.
    (b) Any carrier or intermediate handler shall only accept for 
transportation or transport, in commerce, any live rabbit in a primary 
enclosure which conforms to the requirements set forth in Sec. 3.61 of 
the standards: Provided, however, That any carrier or intermediate 
handler may accept for transportation or transport, in commerce, any 
live rabbit consigned by any department, agency, or instrumentality of 
the United States having laboratory animal facilities or exhibiting 
animals or any licensed or registered dealer, research facility, 
exhibitor, or operator of any auction sale, if such consignor furnishes 
to the carrier or intermediate handler a certificate, signed by the 
consignor, stating that the primary enclosure complies with Sec. 3.61 of 
the standards, unless such primary enclosure is obviously defective or 
damaged and it is apparent that it cannot reasonably be expected to 
contain the live rabbit without causing suffering or injury to such live 
rabbit. A copy of such certificate shall accompany the shipment to 
destination. The certificate shall include at least the following 
information:

[[Page 72]]

    (1) Name and address of the consignor;
    (2) The number of rabbits in the primary enclosure(s);
    (3) A certifying statement (e.g., ``I hereby certify that the ____ 
(number) primary enclosure(s) which are used to transport the animal(s) 
in this shipment complies (comply) with USDA standards for primary 
enclosures (9 CFR part 3).''); and
    (4) The signature of the consignor, and date.
    (c) Carriers or intermediate handlers whose facilities fail to meet 
the minimum temperature allowed by the standards may accept for 
transportation or transport, in commerce, any live rabbit consigned by 
any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or of 
any State or local government, or by any person (including any licensee 
or registrant under the Act, as well as any private individual) if the 
consignor furnishes to the carrier or intermediate handler a certificate 
executed by a veterinarian accredited by this Department pursuant to 
part 160 of this title on a specified date which shall not be more than 
10 days prior to delivery of such rabbit for transportation in commerce, 
stating that such live rabbit is acclimated to air temperatures lower 
than those prescribed in Secs. 3.65 and 3.66. A copy of such certificate 
shall accompany the shipment to destination. The certificate shall 
include at least the following information:
    (1) Name and address of the consignor;
    (2) The number of rabbits in the shipment;
    (3) A certifying statement (e.g., ``I hereby certify that the 
animal(s) in this shipment is (are), to the best of my knowledge, 
acclimated to air temperatures lower than 7.2  deg.C. (45  deg.F.).)''; 
and
    (4) The signature of the USDA accredited veterinarian, assigned 
accreditation number, and date.
    (d) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall attempt to notify the 
consignee at least once in every 6 hour period following the arrival of 
any live rabbit at the animal holding area of the terminal cargo 
facility. The time, date, and method of each attempted notification and 
the final notification to the consignee and the name of the person 
notifying the consignee shall be recorded on the copy of the shipping 
document retained by the carrier or intermediate handler and on a copy 
of the shipping document accompanying the animal shipment.

[42 FR 31565, June 21, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 21164, May 16, 1978; 44 
FR 63493, Nov. 2, 1979]

Sec. 3.61  Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits.

    No person subject to the Animal Welfare regulations shall offer for 
transportation or transport in commerce any live rabbit in a primary 
enclosure that does not conform to the following requirements:
    (a) Primary enclosures, such as compartments, transport cages, 
cartons, or crates, used to transport live rabbits shall be constructed 
in such a manner that:
    (1) The stuctural strength of the enclosure shall be sufficient to 
contain the live rabbits and to withstand the normal rigors of 
transportation;
    (2) The interior of the enclosure shall be free from any protrusions 
that could be injurious to the live rabbits contained therein;
    (3) The openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all 
times for emergency removal of the live rabbits;
    (4) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, there are 
ventilation openings located on two opposite walls of the primary 
enclosure and the ventilation openings on each such wall shall be at 
least 16 percent of the total surface area of each such wall, or there 
are ventilation openings located on all four walls of the primary 
enclosure and the ventilation openings on each such wall shall be at 
least 8 percent of the total surface area of each such wall: Provided, 
however, That at least one-third of the total minimum area required for 
ventilation of the primary enclosure shall be located on the lower one-
half of the primary enclosure and at least one-third of the total 
minimum area required for ventilation of the primary enclosure shall be 
located on the upper one-half of the primary enclosure;

[[Page 73]]

    (5) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, projecting 
rims or other devices shall be on the exterior of the outside walls with 
any ventilation openings to prevent obstruction of the ventilation 
openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space 1.9 centimeters 
(.75 inch) between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or 
conveyance wall; and
    (6) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, adequate 
handholds or other devices for lifting shall be provided on the exterior 
of the primary enclosure to enable the primary enclosure to be lifted 
without tilting and to ensure that the person handling the primary 
enclosure will not be in contact with the rabbit.
    (b) Live rabbits transported in the same primary enclosure shall be 
maintained in compatible groups and shall not be transported in the same 
primary enclosure with other specie of animals.
    (c) Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits shall be large 
enough to ensure that each rabbit contained therein has sufficient space 
to turn about freely and to make normal postural adjustments.
    (d) Not more than 15 live rabbits shall be transported in the same 
primary enclosure.
    (e) Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits as provided in 
this section shall have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment and 
shall be cleaned and sanitized in a manner prescribed in Sec. 3.56 of 
the standards, if previously used. Such primary enclosures shall contain 
clean litter of a suitable absorbent material which is safe and nontoxic 
to the rabbits, in sufficient quantity to absorb and cover excreta, 
unless the rabbits are on wire or other nonsolid floors.
    (f) Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits, except where 
such primary enclosures are permanently affixed in the animal cargo 
space of the primary conveyance, shall be clearly marked on top and on 
one or more sides with the works ``Live Animal'' in letters not less 
than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, and with arrows or other 
markings, to indicate the correct upright position of the container.
    (g) Documents accompanying the shipment shall be attached in an 
easily accessible manner to the outside of a primary enclosure which is 
part of such shipment.
    (h) When a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the 
animal cargo space of the primary conveyance so that the front opening 
is the only source of ventilation for such primary enclosure, the front 
opening shall open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle 
or passageway within the primary conveyance. Such front ventilation 
opening shall be at least 90 percent of the total surface area of the 
front wall of the primary enclosure and covered with bars, wire mesh or 
smooth expanded metal.

[42 FR 31565, June 21, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 21164, May 16, 1978; 55 
FR 28883, July 16, 1990]

Sec. 3.62  Primary conveyances (motor vehicle, rail, air, and marine).

    (a) The animal cargo space of primary conveyances used in 
transporting live rabbits shall be designed and constructed to protect 
the health, and ensure the safety and comfort of the rabbits contained 
therein at all times.
    (b) The animal cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a 
manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the 
primary conveyance during transportation in commerce.
    (c) No live rabbit shall be placed in an animal cargo space that 
does not have a supply of air sufficient for normal breathing for each 
live animal contained therein, and the primary enclosures shall be 
positioned in the animal cargo space in such a manner that each rabbit 
has access to sufficient air for normal breathing.
    (d) Primary enclosures shall be positioned in the primary conveyance 
in such a manner that in an emergency the live rabbits can be removed 
from the primary conveyance as soon as possible.
    (e) The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean.
    (f) Live rabbits shall not be transported with any material, 
substance (e.g., dry ice) or device which may reasonably be expected to 
be injurious to the health and well-being of the rabbits unless proper 
precaution is taken to prevent such injury.

[[Page 74]]

    (g) The animal cargo space of primary conveyances used to transport 
rabbits shall be mechanically sound and provide fresh air by means of 
windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning so as to minimize drafts, 
odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as fans, 
blowers, or air conditioners, shall be used in any cargo space 
containing live rabbits when the ambient temperature in the animal cargo 
space is 75  deg.F (23.9  deg.C) or higher. The ambient temperature 
within the animal cargo space shall not exceed 85  deg.F (29.5  deg.C) 
or fall below 45  deg.F (7.2  deg.C), except that the ambient 
temperature in the cargo space may be below 45  deg.F (7.2  deg.C) if 
the rabbits are accompanied by a certificate of acclimation to lower 
temperatures, as provided in Sec. 3.60(c) of this part.

[42 FR 31565, June 21, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 28883, July 16, 1990]

Sec. 3.63  Food and water requirements.

    (a) If live rabbits are to be transported for a period of more than 
6 hours, they shall have access to food and water or a type of food, 
which provides the requirements for food and water in quantity and 
quality sufficient to satisfy their food and water needs, during 
transit.
    (b) Any dealer, research facility, exhibitor or operator of an 
auction sale offering any live rabbit to any carrier or intermediate 
handler for transportation, in commerce, shall provide an adequate 
supply of food or type of food, which provides the requirements for food 
and water, within the primary enclosure to meet the requirements of this 
section.
    (c) No carrier or intermediate handler shall accept for 
transportation, in commerce, any live rabbit without an adequate supply 
of food or type of food, which provides the requirements for food and 
water, within the primary enclosure to meet the requirements of this 
section.

Sec. 3.64  Care in transit.

    (a) During surface transportation, it shall be th responsibility of 
the driver or other employee to visually observe the live rabbits as 
frequently as circumstances may dictate, but not less than once every 4 
hours, to assure that they are receiving sufficient air for normal 
breathing, their ambient temperatures are within the prescribed limits, 
all other applicable standards are being complied with and to determine 
whether any of the live rabbits are in obvious physical disress and to 
provide any needed veterinary care as soon as possible. When transported 
by air, live rabbits shall be visually observed by the carrier as 
frequently as circumstances may dictate, but not less than once every 4 
hours, if the cargo space is accessible during flight. If the animal 
cargo space is not accessible during flight, the carrier shall visually 
observe the live rabbits whenever loaded and unloaded and whenever the 
animal cargo space is otherwise accessible to assure that they are 
receiving sufficient air for normal breathing, their ambient 
temperatures are within the prescribed limits, all other applicable 
standards are being complied with and to determine whether any such live 
rabbits are in obvious physical distress. The carrier shall provide any 
needed veterinary care as soon as possible. No rabbit in obvious 
physical distress shall be transported in commerce.
    (b) During the course of transportation, in commerce, live rabbits 
shall not be removed from their primary enclosures unless placed in 
other primary enclosures or facilities conforming to the requirements 
provided in this subpart.

Sec. 3.65  Terminal facilities.

    No person subject to the Animal Welfare regulations shall commingle 
shipments of live rabbits with inanimate cargo. All animal holding areas 
of a terminal facility where shipments of rabbits are maintained shall 
be cleaned and sanitized as prescribed in Sec. 3.56 of the standards 
often enough to prevent an accumulation of debris or excreta, to 
minimize vermin infestation, and to prevent a disease hazard. An 
effective program for the control of insects, ectoparasites, and avian 
and mammalian pests shall be established and maintained for all animal 
holding areas. Any animal holding area containing live rabbits shall be 
provided with fresh air by means of windows, doors, vents, or air 
conditioning and may be ventilated or air circulated by

[[Page 75]]

means of fans, blowers, or an air conditioning system so as to minimize 
drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as 
exhaust fans and vents or fans or blowers or air conditioning shall be 
used for any animal holding area containing live rabbits when the air 
temperature within such animal holding area is 23.9  deg.C. (75  deg.F.) 
or higher. The air temperature around any live rabbit in any animal 
holding area shall not be allowed to fall below 7.2  deg.C. (45  deg.F.) 
nor be allowed to exceed 29.5  deg.C. (85  deg.F.) at any time. To 
ascertain compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, the air 
temperature around any live rabbit shall be measured and read outside 
the primary enclosure which contains such rabbit at a distance not to 
exceed .91 meters (3 feet) from any one of the external walls of the 
primary enclosure and on a level parallel to the bottom of such primary 
enclosure at a point which approximates half the distance between the 
top and bottom of such primary enclosure.

[43 FR 56216, Dec. 1, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 28883, July 16, 1990]]

Sec. 3.66  Handling.

    (a) Any person who is subject to the Animal Welfare regulations and 
who moves live rabbits from an animal holding area of a terminal 
facility to a primary conveyance or vice versa shall do so as quickly 
and efficiently as possible. Any person subject to the Animal Welfare 
regulations and holding any live rabbit in an animal holding area of a 
terminal facility or transporting any live rabbit to or from a terminal 
facility shall provide the following:
    (1) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause 
overheating or discomfort, sufficient shade shall be provided to protect 
the live rabbits from the direct rays of the sun and such live rabbits 
shall not be subjected to surrounding air temperatures which exceed 29.5 
 deg.C. (85  deg.F.), and which shall be measured and read in the manner 
prescribed in Sec. 3.65 of this part, for a period of more than 45 
minutes.
    (2) Shelter from rain or snow. Live rabbits shall be provided 
protection to allow them to remain dry during rain or snow.
    (3) Shelter from cold weather. Transporting devices shall be covered 
to provide protection for live rabbits when the outdoor air temperature 
falls below 10  deg.C. (50  deg.F.), and such live rabbits shall not be 
subjected to surrounding air temperatures which fall below 7.2  deg.C. 
(45  deg.F.), and which shall be measured and read in the manner 
prescribed in Sec. 3.65 of this part, for a period of more than 45 
minutes unless such rabbits are accompanied by a certificate of 
acclimation to lower temperatures as prescribed in Sec. 3.60(c).
    (b) Care shall be exercised to avoid handling of the primary 
enclosure in such a manner that may cause physical or emotional trauma 
to the live rabbit contained therein.
    (c) Primary enclosures used to transport any live rabbit shall not 
be tossed, dropped, or needlessly tilted and shall not be stacked in a 
manner which may reasonably be expected to result in their falling.

[43 FR 21164, May 16, 1978, as amended at 43 FR 56216, Dec. 1, 1978; 55 
FR 28883, July 16, 1990]
