The European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (ETS No. 087) is a "framework Convention" which gives principles for the keeping, care and housing of animals, in particular in intensive breeding systems. A Standing Committee (T-AP) composed of Representatives of the Parties to the Convention, was responsible for the elaboration and adoption of more detailed recommendations to the Parties concerning the different species of animals for the implementation of the principles set out in the Convention.

For this purpose, the T-AP followed the developments in scientific research and new methods in animal husbandry. These Recommendations are different from those adopted by the Committee of Ministers as they become binding on the Parties six months after their adoption.

For its works, the T-AP developed a close collaboration with non-governmental organisations representing the different fields concerned: veterinarians, farmers, animal protection associations, animal behaviour specialists, zootechnicians, which participate as observers in its meetings.

In 1992, a Protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (ETS No. 145) was opened for signature. This Protocol provides for the extension of the scope of the Convention to the breeding of animals produced as a result of genetic modifications or novel genetic combinations.

Recommendations adopted by the Steering Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of Animals used for Farming Purposes (T-AP)

• Recommendation concerning farmed fish (adopted by the T-AP on 5 December 2005, entry into force on 5 June 2006)
• Recommendation concerning Pigs (adopted by the T-AP on 2 December 2004, entry into force on 2 June 2005) (Replacing the previous Recommendation adopted on 21 November 1986)
• Recommendation concerning Turkeys (adopted by the T-AP on 21 June 2001)
• Recommendation concerning Fur Animals (adopted by the T-AP on 22 June 1999) (Replacing the previous Recommendation adopted on 19 October 1990)
• Recommendation concerning Muscovy Ducks and Hybrids of Muscovy and Domestic Ducks (adopted by the T-AP on 22 June 1999)
• Recommendation concerning Domestic Geese (adopted by the T-AP on 22 June 1999)
• Recommendation concerning Domestic Ducks (adopted by the T-AP on 22 June 1999)
• Recommendation concerning Ratites (adopted by the T-AP on 22 April 1997)
• Recommendation concerning Domestic Fowl (gallus gallus) (adopted by the T-AP on 28 November 1995) (Replacing Recommendation of 1986 concerning the poultry of the species Gallus gallus kept to produce eggs)
• Appendix C to Recommendation concerning Cattle: special provisions for Calves (adopted by the T-AP on 8 June 1993)
• Recommendation concerning Goats (adopted by the T-AP on 6 November 1992)
• Recommendation concerning Sheep (adopted by the T-AP on 6 November 1992)
• Recommendation concerning Cattle (adopted by the T-AP on 21 October 1988)

Other documents

• Rules of Procedure of the Standing Committee of the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (T-AP) 
• Proposed definition of the expression: “Scientific evidence and practical experience” by Prof. Ingvar Ekesbo, First Vice Chairman [T-AP (98) 37] 
• Handling documents [T-AP (99) 19] 

• Governmental resources
• Non-governmental resources