ISO/TC 191 - Animal (mammal) traps

This part of ISO 10990 specifies methods for use in performance testing of: traps used on land to kill mammals; traps used in submersion sets to kill semi-aquatic mammals. The performance testing includes methods for evaluation of effective killing, pathological evaluation, mechanical properties (see note), selectivity, capture efficiency and user safety. NOTE ISO/TC 191 recognizes that other trapping systems are under development but are at a preliminary stage. Consequently, inclusion of appropriate mechanical tests for such traps is premature at this time. Nevertheless, the committee recommends and supports the development of new types of traps and trapping systems together with appropriate testing methodologies. ISO/TC 191 further recommends that the issue receives in-depth (re)consideration at the five-year review and that all appropriate advances in technology are incorporated through the deliberations of the committee at that time.

1.1 This part of ISO 10990 specifies methods for use in performance testing of traps used on land to restrain mammals. The performance testing includes methods for evaluation of trauma, selectivity, capture efficiency and user safety. 1.2 It is recognized that injury is only one component of animal welfare. However, there are insufficient data collected in a scientific manner on the additional components to allow for the complete assessment of animal welfare. Several areas of investigation are presented for evaluation in annex A. Selection of the data collection methodology is left to the investigator. However, it is assumed that such collection methods will follow accepted practices. It should also be understood that data collected in any, or all, of the suggested areas will probably not provide an absolute measure of welfare. Rather, the compilation of such data over time should provide a mechanism for comparing the relative animal welfare impacts of different restraint methods.