Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s Ethical Platform

1. Introduction

The purpose of Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s platform is to express the organization’s view on good animal welfare and humanity’s responsibility for it. The work of Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge and its affiliated local branches adheres to the objectives and viewpoints stated herein.

This document should not be perceived as a definitive and static representation of Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s objectives. Societal conditions – such as new farming methods, changed attitudes, and new knowledge about behavior or biology – necessitate continuous updates. The current version of the platform is adopted by Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s supreme body; the General Assembly.

Many species belong to several categories of the platform. For simplicity, however, each species, with few exceptions, is treated in only one place.

1.1 Ethical Basis

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s core values are respect, compassion, and tolerance.

As an animal welfare association, we look beyond species preservation. It is Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s view that all animals are sentient and feeling individuals, who must be respected and protected.

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge primarily focuses on the welfare of the individual animal.

Every animal has an intrinsic value that far exceeds any value the animal might have as a supplier of “products”. As living beings with intrinsic value, animals have rights.

It is fundamental to recognize that humans are one of many species in the biological/zoological system. Greater brain capacity and higher so-called “intelligence” do not give us a moral right to treat our fellow creatures in an ethically unacceptable way. We have ethical obligations towards animals in general.

Since humans have taken domestic animals out of their natural environment, it naturally follows that we have a special responsibility of care for them.

Both domestic animals’ and wild animals’ biological, mental, and social needs must be respected.

It is humanity’s duty to ensure the welfare of domestic animals and to secure the habitat of wild animals.

1.2 Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge’s Objectives

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge works to ensure that every individual – regardless of species affiliation – is treated with respect, compassion, and tolerance. Based on these core values, we will work to:

Prevent and combat animal cruelty.
Disseminate knowledge and foster attitudes about animals’ needs and human responsibilities.
Identify, prevent, and combat irresponsible animal husbandry and immoral treatment of animals.
Preserve the environment wild animals need to live fulfilling lives.
Strengthen the local branches’ and contact persons’ aid work for animals in need.
Work for laws and regulations that better ensure animal welfare.
Establish a new state animal welfare authority, which, without conflicting interests, shall act both ethically, informatively, and practically for the benefit of both domestic and wild animals.
Influence central and local authorities to take greater responsibility for animal welfare and rights.
Influence authorities to base local, national, and international activities on the consideration of animals.

1.3 Public Animal Supervision

The administration of the Animal Welfare Act and the overall responsibility for ensuring the best possible welfare for each individual animal should rest with an independent and effective state agency – without other and conflicting objectives. The responsibility must therefore be transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, which is also a ministry for the agricultural industry.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority shall manage and further develop all laws and regulations concerning domestic and wild animals. This includes conducting welfare inspections, carrying out preventive, attitude-improving, and advisory activities, and ensuring that animals in need receive immediate help.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be given a mandate, regulations, and financial and human resources that enable it to fulfill its function for the benefit of animals.

1.4 General Principles

When there is doubt as to whether animals are suffering, the animals shall be given the benefit of the doubt.

Arguments such as science, traditions, culture, sports, entertainment, trade, and the production of food and clothing do not exempt humans from the obligation to ensure the well-being of animals.

Every animal owner is responsible for ensuring that animal husbandry is in accordance with the natural needs of the species and each individual animal.

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge demands full transparency regarding the situation of animals in Norway. Continuous statistics shall be kept with the aim of making information about their welfare easily accessible. Advertising or other forms of misleading information that may obscure reality are not accepted.

No breeding that entails an unnatural risk of disease or other suffering shall be permitted.

1.5 Definitions

Animals refer to all sentient beings such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, toads, frogs, salamanders, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.

Animal welfare refers to all measures that directly or indirectly contribute to ensuring the welfare of animals.

Welfare means the individual’s experience of having its physical, mental, and social needs met.

2 Farm Animals

2.1 General Guidelines

Every animal husbandry practice shall aim at the welfare of the individual animal.
Ethical accounting must be introduced as a mandatory part of all commercial animal husbandry.
For each individual animal – where feasible – a health record shall be kept.
New animal species must not be taken into captivity.
No animal shall be tethered or confined in cages or other devices that prevent natural behavior important for the animal’s welfare.
Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge opposes all forms of surgical interventions not performed for medical reasons. However, castration may be permitted in special cases, provided the procedure is performed by a veterinarian under proper anesthesia and aftercare.
No breeding or interventions must be carried out to achieve “adaptation” of animals to conditions for which the animal is unsuited by its nature. It is the animal husbandry that must be adapted to each species’ natural needs.

2.2 Animal Housing

Animal housing shall have space, light, air, and temperature adapted to the welfare needs of the individual animal.

All animal housing must be furnished and adapted according to the animal’s needs, so that the animal’s welfare is good in physical, mental, and social respects. A serious problem with modern animal husbandry is the monotonous life animals are forced to live. The possibility for normal behavior is crucial for their welfare.

Animal housing must be fire-protected, with automatic external fire alarms ensuring immediate help. Escape routes and an emergency escape plan must be in place. Tethers for multiple animals must be releasable simultaneously and easily accessible. Handling routines in case of fire and other emergencies should be quality-assured through regular drills.

Fire extinguishing equipment/systems must be present in all rooms where farm animals are kept.

Electrical appliances and installations must be regularly inspected. In case of malfunction of electrical or mechanical devices significant for animal welfare, automatic notification must occur.

All animals must have daily access to a suitable outdoor area. The outdoor area must have sufficient space, good shelter, and be secured against injury and escape.

2.3 Transport of Animals

Transport of live animals for slaughter or other purposes must be avoided as far as possible. With today’s technology, long-distance transport of live animals cannot be justified and should be replaced by meat transport. Both local and mobile slaughterhouses must be established with the aim of avoiding the need for transport.

No transport time shall exceed 4 hours, including loading and unloading.

For poultry, maximum transport time shall be calculated as the time they are without access to water, but not exceeding 6 hours.

Subsidies for the transport of live animals must not occur.

Conditions must be arranged to prevent injury, stress, and fear in animals during transport. Electric prods must not be used, and animals that provide security for each other should be kept together.

Everyone involved in the transport of live animals must undergo approved training and pass a prescribed test before authorization is issued. Authorization must be renewed at regular intervals.

All transport vehicles must be approved, and drivers must have visibility of the animals during transport. Regular supervision of the animals must be carried out.

Animals must be protected from injury, have good space and temperature conditions, and good ventilation must be ensured.

Animal transports shall have priority on ferries and in other queuing situations.

2.4 Slaughter of Animals

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge will at all times critically review all methods of animal killing and their treatment during herding and killing. We work for better rules and routines for slaughter.

Every animal slaughtered must be killed or stunned with immediate effect, so that the animal does not feel pain before death occurs. No animal shall be sent to countries that permit slaughter or handling that provides animals with poorer welfare than in Norway. Exemptions shall not be granted.

Slaughter of animals must primarily take place near or at the production site.

Conditions must be arranged to prevent injury, stress, and fear in animals upon arrival and during their stay at slaughterhouses. Electric prods must not be used.

Animals not immediately slaughtered upon arrival must have access to water and feed.

Sufficient time must be allowed for each individual animal to be treated gently.

Piece-rate systems for slaughter must be prohibited.

Like all other matters concerning animal welfare, there must be full transparency regarding slaughter and slaughterhouses.

All livestock owners must ensure that competence and equipment are available in the local community to perform humane killing in emergencies.

The current practice of hanging poultry by their legs before stunning/killing is unacceptable.

2.5 Animals on Pasture

The animal owner must prevent and avert disease, predator attacks, and other harm as far as possible.

The animal owner must ensure adequate supervision so that animals are guaranteed immediate help in case of illness and injury.

Areas where animals graze must be clearly marked, indicating the animal species.

Animals on pasture must have access to sufficient nutrition, water, and shelter.

Animals must be brought home from outfield pastures well in advance of frost and snow, and the gathering must be calm and gentle.

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge opposes the use of barbed wire and works to ensure that old barbed wire and other materials that can harm animals are removed.

Electric fences are particularly dangerous for smaller animals and must be prohibited unless there is proper supervision. Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge works to introduce cut-off devices that switch off power in case of a short circuit.

2.6 Cattle

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge works for maximum freedom of movement for animals. New facilities shall be built as good loose housing systems, and established farm buildings must be converted to loose housing within a reasonable time.

The interior design must be such that stress or injury does not occur.

Lying areas shall have suitably soft bedding.

All living spaces shall have daylight.

There shall always be free access to drinking water.

The use of cow trainers must not occur.

The floors shall be dry and sufficiently warm.

The noise level must not be such that it affects the animals’ mental health.

Cattle shall graze in summer under proper supervision. They must not be released into areas with a high risk of injury, such as car traffic. Outdoor areas for animals shall be dry (drained) and have a firm surface, especially at watering and feeding places. In areas with severe insect infestation, animals must be able to seek shelter under windbreaks with screens, etc. Cattle on pasture must have the opportunity to seek shelter, etc., adapted to the type of cattle.

Cattle, including bulls, shall have the opportunity for outdoor exercise all year round. During their stay outdoors, they must at all times be ensured access to dry and warm enough shelter, water, and food.

Special consideration must be given to sick animals, and there must be a sufficient number of calving and sick pens. Sick animals must receive veterinary help in time, and responsible supervision while they are ill, during pregnancy, and calving.

Calves shall not be separated from their mother at birth and during the suckling period. Separation of mother and calf is among the saddest aspects of Norwegian animal husbandry and should be abolished in favor of the natural interaction both need.

Calves shall not be tethered.

The nutrient concentration in feed shall be such that the volume creates sufficient satiety. Cattle shall have enough roughage, which is good for mental and physical health.

The cleanliness of cattle must be improved. They must be brushed and washed regularly, and parasites must be combated.

Heifers must not be bred too early, and never before they are eighteen months old. They shall not be bred or inseminated in a way that can cause calving difficulties, for example by using unsuitable breeding material.

Cattle shall not be driven faster than their own normal walking speed. Movement shall occur under constant supervision.

Cattle should not be kept alone, as they are herd animals with an innate need for companionship.

2.7 Pigs

Pigs shall be kept in loose housing and have daily access to a suitable outdoor area. It is important for their well-being that pigs get exercise and live in an enriched environment with the opportunity to forage and otherwise satisfy their exploratory needs. Exercise also improves bone health, and pigs must therefore have ample space to move around. Good mental health reduces the risk of somatic diseases.

Indoor floors must not cause leg ailments and should have deep litter.

Sows must have access to nesting material and suitable materials for this purpose.

Breeding must not aim for litters so large that they cause welfare problems.

Fixation of pigs must not occur during farrowing or for purposes other than short-term treatment.

All pigs must have the opportunity to “root” in suitable material – primarily outdoors in soil.

Nose ringing must not be used because it causes pain and prevents natural behavior important for the animal’s welfare.

Tooth clipping must not take place because it creates fear and pain.

Castration of pigs must be prohibited. Until a ban is in place, castration of pigs shall be performed with anesthesia by a veterinarian.

Tail docking is prohibited.

Pigs differ from ruminants in that they prefer varied food. Captivity and a monotonous diet will therefore likely be worse for them than for many other animal species. Pigs must have access to roughage such as hay and straw to avoid boredom and to ensure the animal feels full.

It is important that pigs are kept clean. Pigs in cramped stalls, or pigs that are tied up, cannot perform even the slightest self-grooming.

Ensuring appropriate ventilation and humidity in indoor spaces is of utmost importance, and pigs should have access to water baths. Drafts must be avoided.

Piglets should not be weaned from their mother before natural weaning.

A sow must not become pregnant before she is fully grown at one year of age. Today’s sows are often culled before they have actually reached adult age.

When killing with gas (CO2), it must be ensured that low gas concentration does not lead to an unacceptably long time before the pig loses consciousness and thus slowly suffocates. Full stunning must be ensured at the moment of sticking, and the full effect of the stunning must persist so that the animal does not wake up during bleeding.

Pigs kept as companion animals must also be ensured the opportunity to express the behavioral needs mentioned here.

2.8 Sheep

Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge works to reduce animal density in sheep sheds. Sheds must be dry and draft-free, and have both daylight and electric light. Animals must have free access to clean water, enough good quality food, and daily free access to a suitable outdoor area in all seasons.

Sheds must be frequently supervised.

Like all other animal housing, sheep sheds must be equipped with external fire alarms and extinguishing equipment. Escape routes and emergency preparedness for fire must also be in place.

During lambing season, ewes must have continuous supervision, and access to rapid veterinary assistance must be available.

Ewes with lambs shall not be released onto outfield pastures until grazing conditions permit, and the lambs are large and strong enough to cope with the strain. For ewes in high mountains, or areas with low temperatures, or rugged terrain, this is particularly important.

Sheep owners must ensure herding on pastures so that the high number of animals affected by disease, accidents, and predator attacks are ensured the fastest possible help and protection.

Sheep owners are obliged to check that the areas where the animals are released are free of barbed wire, and ensure that the terrain does not present an obvious high risk of injury. Huts should be checked so that they do not become traps for the animals, by the animals being locked in or the building collapsing.

Pasture areas should be marked to indicate that sheep are grazing in the area.

Sheep should not be allowed to graze in places where traffic/railways pose a significant danger.

Through the use of more robust breeds, disease, predator attacks and other damage can be prevented.

2.9 Goats

The same precautions must be taken for goats as for sheep.

The DN considers it unacceptable from an animal welfare perspective that 80% of all goat kids are culled at birth, and unacceptable from a resource perspective that these animals are discarded. We believe that animals of both sexes have the right to life.

Goat kids, like calves, must be allowed to stay with their mother for the first period before weaning.

Supervision at births must be significantly improved. Due to the low market value of the kids, “carelessness” leads to many kids being injured or trampled to death after birth.

Goats in the mountains must have shelter from the weather and wind, and have supervision and access to water.

2.10 Poultry

The extensive keeping of hens for egg production and slaughter is one of the most reprehensible animal husbandry practices in Norway. The DN gives high priority to the work of introducing more acceptable forms of production.

Keeping poultry in cages should not occur. Regardless of size and design, a cage cannot meet the welfare requirements of the birds. Cage keeping must be phased out with a short transition period.

The authorities must have the overall responsibility for investigating and further developing a poultry keeping system that ensures the birds’ physical, mental and social welfare.

Hens must not be kept at such a density that harmful behavior occurs.

Intensive operation, with artificial lighting and food that gives unnaturally rapid and harmful growth, must not be allowed.

Hens must have the opportunity to:

• Dust bathe in dry litter.
• Have appropriate temperature and air quality.
• Find safe shelter during laying and otherwise.
• Lay eggs of a size that does not cause health problems.
• Incubate eggs.
• Roost.
• Eat natural food in a natural way.
• Always have access to water.
• Have access to an outdoor adapted area with the opportunity to seek shelter.
• Live in a natural flock structure, and with contact between mother and offspring.
• Forced moulting must not be carried out.

The choice of breed and all breeding work must have as its primary objective that the birds should be suitable for free-range animal husbandry, so that hysteria, cannibalism, feather pecking and other unwanted behavior can be avoided.

Culling of day-old chicks is ethically unacceptable.

Transport of hens to slaughterhouses must be very short. Access to local and mobile slaughterhouses must be nationwide.

Hens must be treated particularly gently in connection with collection and transport, in order to counteract the great danger of injury.

Products from poultry farming must be labeled in a way that gives the consumer correct information about the animal husbandry and welfare of the production method. The authorities must actively promote the sale of products from the most animal-friendly poultry farming at any given time.

Securing the welfare of each individual in an animal husbandry with such a high number of birds requires particularly close follow-up from the animal welfare authorities.

Hens kept as family pets must also have their natural welfare needs satisfied.

The same considerations mentioned here must also apply as far as possible to ducks, geese, turkeys and other poultry.

2.11 Reindeer

The DN is working to stop the irresponsible practice of keeping too many reindeer in relation to the resource base. Like other animal keepers, it is the reindeer owner’s responsibility that their animals are not in danger of starving. Tradition or culture is not accepted as a justification for exposing animals to unnecessary suffering.

The large variations in grazing conditions mean that reindeer owners must have approved emergency preparedness for crisis feeding.

The animal welfare authority’s control must be tightened, and public subsidy schemes must have responsible animal husbandry as their aim.

Transport of reindeer must be done gently to avoid stress and injury. Car transport, driving with snowmobiles or helicopters must be avoided as far as possible.

The DN is working for more mobile slaughterhouses.

Wild reindeer’s natural areas must not be degraded by domestic reindeer husbandry, tourism, road construction, damming of water or by any other form of disturbance, delimitation or destruction.

2.12 Fur animals

The DN is opposed to all keeping of animals with a view to exploiting their fur. It is indefensible to inflict suffering and unnatural death on animals in order to produce fur goods. The animals in fur farms are treated in a way that strongly contradicts their natural behavioral needs, and they are bred and killed under completely unacceptable conditions.

The DN is working for a ban on the manufacture, sale and use of any form of snares and traps to be used for trapping fur animals.

Like other goods that through their production method have inflicted unnecessary suffering on animals, there should be a ban on imports and sales of products originating from the capture and keeping of fur animals.

3 Marine animals

3.12 Fish and shellfish

The basis for farming and fishing must be that fish and shellfish, in the same way as mammals, can experience pain, stress and fear. The DN is working for humane methods for keeping, catching and killing fish and shellfish.

All conditions mentioned here about keeping and catching fish and shellfish also apply to octopus.

3.12.1 Aquaculture

The welfare of the individual must be the central aim of all aquaculture. Specific regulations must be drawn up that safeguard this consideration based on the needs of each individual species.

The significant and widespread suffering that is currently caused by malformations and malfunctions in the jaw, eyes, back and other organs must no longer be accepted by the animal welfare authorities. Like all other forms of animal husbandry, aquaculture must also be stopped immediately in such cases.

Before new species or operating arrangements are introduced, it must be solidly documented that the individual’s need for welfare can be met. Particular caution must be exercised for fish with migration needs, and when establishing land-based facilities.

When establishing, special consideration must be given to space requirements, location, water quality, temperature, current, escape security, noise, pollution and other environmental factors.

The authorities must aim to create a culture in the aquaculture industry where the prioritization of ethics and welfare should be guiding.

Intensive operation, such as the use of artificial light, food that causes unnatural growth, vaccines or other handling that causes damage, etc., must be avoided.

Starvation feeding must not occur.

Fish must be protected against harmful parasites, jellyfish, algae and pollution.

Killing must take place on the basis of the same ethical and practical considerations that must ensure that other livestock avoid pain and unnecessary fear.

The legality of boiling shellfish alive must cease, and be replaced with a requirement for humane stunning before boiling.

Like other animal products, food from fish and shellfish must also be labeled to give the consumer correct information about conditions of importance for the fish’s welfare.

Research on welfare for fish and shellfish must be significantly strengthened.

3.12.2 Wild fish and shellfish

Fishing and catching for food or as a hobby must be regulated through its own regulations, where the consideration of avoiding suffering must be the basic principle. Many of today’s catching and killing methods cause unacceptable suffering.

The animal welfare authority must work with a view to creating a culture that takes into account the ability to feel pain, both in the industry and among those who engage in fishing and catching as a hobby.

Public authorities must not encourage – or otherwise promote – fishing as a suitable activity to satisfy human needs for excitement and experience.

Hobby fishing based on the “catch and release” principle must not be allowed.

Killing must take place immediately after capture, without inflicting unnecessary pain on the animal.

The legality of boiling shellfish alive must cease, and be replaced with a requirement for immediate and gentle killing before transport and any sale.

3.14 Marine mammals

It is especially seals and whales that have been and are exposed to human extinction. For ethical reasons, the DN is in principle opposed to the capture and killing of marine mammals for commercial, sporting or management purposes.

3.14.1 Seals
The DN is against all hunting and capture. As long as hunting still takes place, the DN supports any measure that can lead to fewer animals being killed and that the killing takes place as gently as possible.

Today’s hunting takes place during the breeding season. As in all other forms of hunting, the DN strongly opposes this.

The DN does not accept that seals are considered so-called “pests”, or that this is used as a justification for killing. Humans are obliged to adapt so that inconvenience from other species is either tolerated or averted by measures that do not entail death or suffering.

It is considered ethically unacceptable that humans’ irresponsibly high fishing quotas and long periods of overfishing should justify the killing of seals or other animals.

Hunting seals is particularly demanding due to both difficult hunting conditions and the animal’s behavior and distinctive anatomy. As long as hunting is allowed to take place, training, testing and authorization must therefore take place according to far stricter rules than other hunting.

Hunting without a state controller present must not occur. The state control of hunting practice must be particularly thorough. Like all other reporting and statistics that apply to animals, the controllers’ reports must also be made immediately available for inspection.

The DN is working to preserve the welfare and living conditions of seals, and is therefore opposed to any establishment of activities that involve a risk of polluting water and the food base.

3.14.2 Whales
The DN is against hunting and capture, but considers whaling to be particularly unacceptable because all practical experience shows that available technology (grenade harpoon), the hunting conditions and the whale’s behavior and anatomy make it impossible to kill the animals without risk of unnecessary suffering. Wounding and long time before death occurs more often than in other hunting.

The driving (the hunt) before the harpoon is fired involves a stress factor of dimensions, and constitutes a significant negative factor in the concept of whaling.

In whaling, the capture of pregnant animals often occurs, and mothers are often shot from their young.

This is ethically unacceptable in all hunting.

The shooting test for the whale shooters must be better and more realistic in relation to the real conditions of the hunting situation.

The DN will work for a ban on all whaling also because this involves a large state-subsidized animal cruelty, which Norway cannot be associated with.

3.15 Aquarium fish

The welfare of fish kept in aquariums – both private and publicly available – must be taken far more seriously. As part of this, all sales and keeping of aquarium fish must be registered and carefully controlled by the public animal welfare authority with the right competence.

A critical review must be carried out to see which species can be given such good welfare that they are suitable for aquarium keeping, and a list of these must be drawn up based on the fact that any doubt should benefit the fish. Other species must be considered illegal in an aquarium context.

For each species, the owner must be obliged to familiarize themselves with – and facilitate – the conditions that the individual species needs when it comes to space, temperature, environmental enrichment, food and other care.

Fish have low status as individual individuals, and many have little compassion or respect for their feelings and welfare requirements. For publicly available aquariums, it is therefore particularly important to show good animal welfare, with regard to the attitude-forming signal effect this gives towards fish in general.

As with other zoos, displaying fish in captivity contributes to keeping respect for fish down. The knowledge requirements for the personnel must be high. Public support for the establishment or operation of commercial aquariums should not be given.

In the same way as for other family pets, aquarium fish must only be transferred to a responsible adult person.

4 Family pets

4.1 General guidelines

Mandatory marking and registration of all family pets must be introduced.
Regulations must be drawn up for the keeping of each individual species of legal family pets.
There must be a list of all species that are allowed to be kept as family pets in Norway. For all other species, there must be a ban on import, sale and keeping.
No new species must be allowed to be imported, sold or kept as family pets, if there may be doubt as to whether their welfare can be safeguarded under Norwegian conditions. This means that no reptiles and many exotic species must be excluded as family pets in Norway.
Exemption must not be granted, except in the case mentioned below.

Illegally imported or kept animals must be taken from the owner, and attempts must be made to give them an acceptable existence with exemption from the ban. The animal must be closely followed up by the supervisory authority for its entire life cycle.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority must carry out control of all forms of animal husbandry. The inspection must be responsible for ensuring that only owners with sufficient competence and who are otherwise suitable are allowed to keep animals.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be responsible for information and attitude work towards owners, the public and other authorities with a view to preventing suffering.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be responsible for quickly rescuing animals in distress. The inspection must also be responsible for ensuring that no family pets remain homeless without proper care.
Persons who are unable to comply with the established minimum requirements for animal husbandry must be prevented from acquiring animals and deprived of animals they may already have. The animals must be handed over to a new responsible owner.
The DN is opposed to any form of surgical intervention that is not necessary for the animal’s health or welfare. However, sterilization is recommended for species with a risk of overpopulation.
Breeding to promote exterior that can weaken the animals’ health and general condition must not occur.
Family pets that are healthy, or that can be given an acceptable existence, must not be killed without documented serious attempts at rehoming. The supervisory authority must facilitate such rehoming can take place.
Leasing of pets must not occur.

4.2 Dog

The DN accepts responsible dog ownership, based on the general guidelines for keeping family pets, the conditions below and consideration for the individual dog’s special welfare requirements.

When acquiring a dog, a fixed minimum of practical/theoretical knowledge should be acquired.

Potential owners must be reminded of the long-term, economic and practical responsibility that animal husbandry will entail. Before transfer, both the supplier and the recipient must be responsible for a realistic assessment of the new owner’s ability to meet the distinctive physical, mental and social needs of the breed in question and of the individual in question.

Every dog must be registered and permanently identity marked. Like all other family pets, dogs must only be transferred registered and identity marked to an adult person.

The owner must ensure that the dog is socialized in relation to both humans, dogs and other animals.

Dogs must not be left alone beyond the length of ordinary daily work absence. For many dogs, this will also be too long.

Dogs should not be tied up for extended periods. Large exercise yards are considered better than leashes. Outdoors, the dog must have the opportunity to seek shelter from the weather and wind, shade from the sun and it must always have access to clean water.

Dogs should only be left in cars for a short time. Parked cars must always be in the shade, and good ventilation and access to water must be ensured.

The DN is working for a ban on methods and equipment that are intended to inflict pain or injury on the dog physically or mentally. This applies, among other things, to muzzles and collars with electricity, strangulation effect and spikes.

Training and obedience courses must be based on so-called positive reinforcement.

Dog instructors/advisors should have publicly approved education and authorization.

The DN will accept castration of unruly dogs, if the alternative is killing healthy animals.

No exemption shall be granted for tail docking, except for medical reasons.

The DN shall counteract breeding, import, trade, and dog keeping that are clearly likely to create fear or cause danger to humans or other animals.

In any claim for euthanasia of a dog alleged to be dangerous, the dog shall be assessed by authorized personnel with the appropriate expertise before a legal decision is made.

Competitive formats that pose an unnecessary risk of injury or other suffering must not be permitted.

Competitive formats based on attacks or aggression against another dog, other animal, or against humans shall not be permitted.

4.3 Cat

The DN accepts responsible cat ownership, based on the general guidelines for keeping pets and the cat’s special welfare requirements.

The cat is not naturally native to our fauna and will rarely survive without human assistance. Homelessness in cats is a unique, unnecessary, and extensive animal welfare problem, which is due to a combination of irresponsible animal husbandry, lack of control, and no provision of assistance to affected animals. The state animal welfare authority must be responsible for ensuring that effective measures are implemented to prevent and remedy homelessness.

In accordance with Norwegian law, we all have a duty to help animals in need. The assistance measures must be based on the premise that euthanasia should never be an easy solution, but the duty to provide immediate assistance must be unequivocal. Euthanasia is only accepted as an emergency solution in special cases, after other measures have been attempted and it is clear that the animal cannot be given an acceptable existence. No one other than the wildlife board, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the police have the authority to catch and euthanize healthy animals. Cats that are, or can be made suitable for adoption, shall be placed in responsible homes.

Prevention shall take place through routine information and guidance on responsible cat ownership, including the necessity of sterilization to prevent overpopulation. Mandatory registration and marking must be introduced, and the animal welfare authority must actively monitor and control cat ownership. Resolute action must be taken against irresponsible cat owners before breeding leads to new animals being affected.

Until the state animal welfare authority takes responsibility for the cat’s welfare, the DN shall undertake necessary measures to the best of its ability. The DN will work to establish aid centers where cats – like other animals in need – can be taken into temporary custody. The centers shall conduct adoption work, register found animals, and receive reports of lost, homeless, injured, and deceased individuals. An agreement should be sought to cover these services from state and local authorities.

The connection between responsible cat ownership, reproductive regulation, and homelessness must be emphasized to cat owners, the public, and authorities.

Neutering and ID-chipping are recommended for both sexes and should be carried out at the age that is recommended at any given time based on scientific documentation.

Birth control pills are unreliable and hazardous to health.

Campaigns for neutering and sterilization should be initiated in cooperation with a veterinarian. The cooperation should also aim to involve the veterinarian in attitude-shaping work.

It must be ensured that every new cat owner has the knowledge and opportunities necessary for responsible cat ownership. Potential owners must be encouraged to carefully consider the practical and financial aspects before acquiring a cat. Cat ownership must not be permitted in areas with a particularly high risk of traffic accidents or damage due to other special risk factors.

As in all other animal husbandry, it must be required that the responsible owner be of legal age and suitable. Children must never have the real responsibility for either cats or other animals.

The DN wants a nationwide joint service, which via telephone and the Internet can register and provide information about lost, found, rehoming-ready, and wanted family pets. The service should also provide advice on good animal husbandry.

The DN does not accept public or private rules that impose leash laws for cats.

A cat that is healthy, or that can be given an acceptable existence, shall not be euthanized without documented serious attempts at rehoming. The supervisory authority must facilitate such rehoming.

The DN does not consider it desirable for cats to be locked up. Nevertheless, so-called indoor cats can be accepted in emergencies when the cat has plenty of space, is sufficiently activated, and has the opportunity to get out into the fresh air on a secured balcony or similar. In the adoption work, the starting point must be the individual animal’s background and suitability for such an existence. When keeping indoor cats, at least two cats are recommended, so that no animal should be without contact with others of its own species.

Cats must normally not be left unattended beyond the length of ordinary daily work absence.

Catching cats is only accepted for the sake of the animal’s best interests, and under the control of the animal welfare authority or Dyrebeskyttelsen. Both parties should have the right to access and participate.

4.4 Rabbit and rodents

Rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice must not be relegated to a life in small cages. Their own regulations must prescribe enclosures of a size and design that ensures their welfare through the possibility of the most natural behavior possible.

The enclosure must be environmentally enriched, so that the animals receive stimuli and the opportunity to explore, dig, and hide.

The animals must be given light, temperature, and other conditions adapted to the species.

The animals must have daily contact with the owner.

Rodents mainly have such a cautious body language that greater knowledge is required of the owner than for other family pets.

Children must not have sole responsibility for any animal, including rodents.

Small animals such as rodents are not very visible in society. The animal welfare authority must therefore carry out particularly careful control of their welfare, which presupposes mandatory registration and identification marking.

4.5 Bird

Most domestic birds in Norwegian homes (“cage birds”) are exotic species with a great need for space, a suitable natural environment, and for flock or pair life with others of their species. The DN is principally opposed to all forms of keeping animals in cages – including birds.

Pressure must be exerted on relevant authorities to have adopted legislative amendments that can improve the living conditions of birds living in cages. The species selection must be limited to species that can reasonably be given good welfare in ordinary homes. Clipping of wing feathers to prevent birds from flying normally must be prohibited. This will often be harmful to the bird, both physically and mentally.

Social bird species must not be kept in isolation from conspecifics.

As long as it is legal to keep birds in cages, a minimum limit for cage size must be introduced, adapted to the needs of the various species. This minimum limit must be scientifically based.

Every bird must have access to exercise natural behavior in a suitable area where the area’s size, light, temperature, and design are adapted to its welfare needs.

Like all other family pets, mandatory registration and identification marking of birds must be introduced, so that the animal welfare authority can carry out effective control of the birds’ welfare and captured, tame birds can be identified.

The DN’s ultimate goal is a ban on importing, trading, breeding, and keeping birds based on cage keeping.

Breeding of birds must take place in a way that prevents a high degree of inbreeding and a high incidence of hereditary diseases and problems associated with breeding for a specific appearance.

4.6 Trading of animals

The animals sold in pet stores are often small “prey animals”, defenseless and quiet in their communication system. Their language and signals can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted by humans. Beautiful small animals are easily regarded as decorative objects (especially birds and fish), or as play and cuddly animals for children (rabbit, guinea pig, hamster). This impression is reinforced by the fact that the animals are exhibited as goods in a store. The DN is very critical of trade in living, sentient animals. Far stricter requirements must be set when it comes to living conditions and sales in pet stores.

That animals are sold in store-like premises gives the impression that they are goods in line with other sales items. The goal is that live animals should not be allowed to be sold “over the counter”. As long as this still happens, the DN is working for better regulations for animals in stores.

The seller’s treatment of the animals is strongly attitude-shaping and shall clearly demonstrate that the animals have needs far beyond a cage with a food and water bowl.

Animals must stay in their own room, shielded from the rest of the store.

The premises must have a clear sign stating that the animals must not be handled or disturbed.

All animals that stay in the premises for sale must be ensured movement and activity opportunities adapted to the species. For example, birds must be in an aviary with natural branches, swings, etc. Rodent cages must be large enough for the animals to walk/run around and stretch out in height. They must have sleeping boxes where the animals can retreat.

Animals must only be allowed to be sold to persons of legal age with valid identification.

Before a standard sales agreement is entered into, the customer shall be given approved oral and written information about the species’ needs. After a minimum of 7 days, the new owner shall sign a declaration that the animal will be treated in accordance with this information. Upon transfer, the animal is provided with a permanent identification mark and registered with the new owner. The State Animal Health Authority shall continuously receive notification of all changes of ownership.

Goldfish bowls and round decorative cages for birds must not be sold.

5 Wild animals

5.1 General

The DN sees it as the obligation of humans and society to ensure the animals the natural basis they need to live in accordance with their nature. Environmental protection and other work to preserve the natural and necessary balance in both flora and fauna are therefore an important part of Dyrebeskyttelsen’s purpose.

Killing is not accepted as the only means in the management of animals.

The introduction of species that do not belong to Norwegian fauna must be counteracted.

Capture of wild animals for exhibition, performance or other use for commercial or entertainment purposes must be prohibited.

Capture for scientific purposes must be required to be solidly justified in the consideration of the animals’ best interests. The DN is critical of the necessity of marking, as well as the routines and methods used.

The value of exhibition for scientific or educational purposes must be very well justified in order to be accepted.

The DN views very critically zoos and other collections of wild animals – including some aquariums – for entertainment purposes.

5.2 Hunting

The DN is principally opposed to all capture and killing of wild animals, and that these are inflicted with pain, suffering or inconvenience. Society’s acceptance of killing as recreation and hobby prevents the development of the attitudes necessary to ensure responsible animal husbandry and prevent animal abuse.

As long as hunting is still legal, the DN’s goal is that as few individuals as possible should be killed.

The number of huntable species, hunters, wounding and the length of hunting seasons shall be sought to be limited as much as possible.

Public authorities must not encourage – or otherwise promote – hunting or trapping as a suitable activity to satisfy human needs for excitement and experience.

All hunting should be carried out by professional hunters, appointed by the state.

Stricter requirements must be set for those who can hunt.

The shooting test must be held in a more hunting-realistic way, and the requirements in the hunter’s test for knowledge and attitudes must be tightened.

The hunter’s authorization must be made dependent on annual tests of practical, knowledge-based and attitudinal character.

The hunting supervision must be strengthened and given greater authority, so that both hunters and hunting equipment can be controlled in an effective way out in the hunting areas.

Any violation of laws and regulations that apply to animals must, as a general rule, result in permanent withdrawal of the hunter’s authorization. The same must also apply to other circumstances that may create doubt about the hunter’s ability to hunt.

The hunting equipment must be reviewed, and a total ban on certain types is required. Including shotguns, certain types of ammunition, crossbows, traps and snares.

Hunting of animals must not occur during the time the young are dependent on their parents.

Calves must not be shot from cows, and cows must not be shot from calves.

Mates shall not be shot from mates.

No one must hunt without preparedness for rapid tracking of injured animals.

Farming of animals for release for hunting must not be allowed.

5.3 Predators

In the same way as for all other wild animals, the DN works for the right to life and welfare of predators to be respected. The DN does not accept capture or killing of predators, or that these are inflicted with pain and suffering, except in special cases.

The DN recognizes the necessary role of predators in maintaining the balance in nature. With the presence of predators, the administrative argument for human hunting falls away.

As long as hunting of predators is still allowed, the DN’s goal is that as few as possible should be killed and that the killing should take place as gently as possible. The use of traps or pens must not be allowed, and all hunting must be carried out by professional personnel under state responsibility and control. Reference is otherwise made to the section on hunting.

It is the animal owner’s responsibility to protect livestock against attacks from predators.

The animal welfare authority must have a special responsibility for conducting attitude-shaping activities and providing information and guidance with a view to adapting to – and tolerating – the presence of predators.

5.4 Wild birds

All bird species are covered by the DN’s work for protection against any human measure that threatens the individual’s welfare.

The DN has as an important goal to preserve the birds’ natural basis. This entails requirements for the protection of larger contiguous areas of various landscape types; such as old-growth forest, wetlands, riverbeds, scrub forest and bush vegetation. The DN shall also work for conscious preservation and planting of suitable vegetation in urban, residential and commercial areas.

The DN is against all hunting and trapping. As long as hunting still takes place, the DN supports any measure that can lead to fewer birds being killed and that the killing takes place as gently as possible. This entails requirements for fewer huntable species, shorter hunting seasons, stricter requirements for practitioners and a ban on the use of shotguns. Shotguns cause a large number of woundings, which are feared to increase further with the transition to steel shot.

Particularly high priority is given to the work to prevent birds from being considered and treated as so-called “pests”, as these are exposed to hunting seasons that put the consideration of compassion more aside than in the rest of the hunt.

All hunting must be prohibited during the time the birds are courting, building nests, giving birth and raising their young.

The DN shall cooperate with authorities and other organizations to improve understanding of birds’ right to life and welfare.

The DN is against any attempt by humans to “regulate” the number of birds. As long as this still happens, the DN’s goal is that as few individuals as possible should be affected and that the measure should not involve killing or suffering. Egg collection is considered better than other measures.

Attitude work must be carried out and information given about the actual conditions regarding birds referred to as so-called “pests”. The aim is to prevent intolerance, misunderstandings, preconceived opinions and attitudes that may lead to a desire to kill or harm the birds, or to destroy their habitats.

Any research program that involves capture of birds must be limited to projects solidly justified in the birds’ best interests. The DN is critical of whether all ringing projects meet this condition.

5.5 Animals referred to as “pests”

No animals should be regarded, referred to or treated as so-called “pests”.

The authorities’ leniency towards industries’ and hunters’ pressure to kill ever more species and individuals must be addressed and counteracted. Human business and leisure activities shall not take place at the expense of wild animals’ right to live.

The DN works for greater tolerance and compassion towards so-called “pests”, and to promote alternative solutions that do not involve killing or inflicting suffering.

In cases where there is deemed to be no alternative other than to kill, this shall be carried out as efficiently and painlessly as possible under expert responsibility and control.

Existing rat and mouse poison inflicts great suffering on the animals, as do some traps that are on the market. The use of poison can also harm other animals. Work must be done to develop more gentle euthanasia methods.

6 Animals in entertainment and competition

6.1 Horse

Keeping horses places great demands on knowledge of feed, exercise, supervision, signs of illness, hoof care, dental care, etc. Persons without such knowledge must not have sole responsibility for horses.

Anyone acquiring a horse must be aware of the costs involved beforehand. These include stabling, feed, hoof care, and veterinary supervision, which are common expenses. Anyone assuming responsibility for a horse must have time for daily supervision and ensure that the horse can be outdoors for part of the day. The horse must receive sufficient daily exercise, socialization, and proper food.

The horse is a herd animal and should not be kept alone.

The workload imposed on the horse must be adapted to the horse type and must be reasonable for the specific horse.

Riding and driving should be led by individuals with the necessary competence. Harnesses must be properly fitted to the horse, and whips, spurs, and special bit types must be prohibited. A “certificate” should be required to ride a horse in trafficked areas.

The stable should be adequately warm, with dry, clean bedding. The horse must have free access to clean water, plenty of hay, and the amount and type of concentrated feed adapted to its age, breed, use, and life stage. Horses must be given necessary care and kept clean. Horses in use must be groomed, and hooves and legs inspected daily. The horse must have regular hoof care by a qualified professional.

Horses on pasture must have daily supervision, and clean water and necessary shelter must be provided. Pastures must be kept clean, and manure removed as needed.

Horses used in competition must not be trained or used in such a way that there is a risk of unnecessary injury or exhaustion. The regulations for conducting competitions must be designed within each discipline to counteract injury and frequent or long transports.

Every horse used in competition must be ensured good welfare and a natural life course after its competition and breeding career.

Horse breeding must be carried out in a way that prevents a high degree of inbreeding, hereditary diseases, and problems associated with breeding for a specific appearance. Good breeding work must be based on science, registration of the animals’ characteristics and function, as well as access to comprehensive health data and kinship data.

6.2 Zoos

It should be a goal that as many animals as possible live their lives as much as possible in accordance with their needs.

On this basis, DN cannot accept zoos in their current form.

When zoos do exist, DN’s goal is that there should be as few parks as possible with as few animals as possible that have the best possible welfare.

The competence requirements to provide welfare for all species found in zoos imply that there should be few parks with highly educated personnel.

Each species must be given as much space as possible, suitable environmental enrichment, and be shielded from as many of the stressors as possible that come with being an exhibition animal.

Any doubt about the possibility of providing a species or an individual with good welfare must benefit the animal.

Before establishment, approval must be required for all detailed plans from the public animal welfare authority. The operation must be closely monitored by the same authority.

All breeding plans that are sought to be approved must contain a life course plan for each intended offspring.

The plan shall ensure responsible care for each individual animal for its entire natural life course. No breeding or operating form shall presuppose that animals must be killed before their natural death.

Killing of surplus animals must not occur.

If animals are to be exhibited, they must be kept under conditions that ensure the animals’ well-being – both for the sake of the animals themselves and with regard to the attitude effect towards animals in general.

DN accepts that animals are kept in captivity under good welfare, if this is part of a conservation program for animals that will later be returned to nature.

Capture and transport is a significant negative factor in connection with the establishment of some zoos.

All breeding of animals that are to remain in captivity shall emphasize social adaptation to a life in close contact with humans.

6.3 Animals in circuses

DN is fundamentally opposed to wild animals in captivity. The conditions during capture, transport, performance, and keeping otherwise for typical circus animals are such that their welfare needs cannot possibly be met. DN consequently does not accept performances with, or exhibition of, exotic animals in circuses or in any other context.

Animals shall not – as in circuses – be deprived of their dignity and any opportunity for natural behavior and social interaction with their conspecifics. This contributes to weakening respect for animals in general.

The methods of training animals are often objectionable. Natural reaction patterns are suppressed when animals are “trained” to unnatural behavior through reward and punishment.

The animals must submit, so as not to represent a danger to animal trainers and the public.

Any rebellious tendency and much of the animal’s expression of normal life unfolding and independence are eradicated from the circus animal’s character.

DN demands that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food must follow the law committee’s statement not to grant exhibition permits or import permits for any animal species on the grounds that they are to serve as entertainment for humans in circuses. DN demands that the use of animals in circuses and zoos be made illegal and that the regulation on the exhibition of animals, of 2012, be amended, and that the ministry withdraw the permits that have already been granted. It is the animal welfare authority’s task to put the consideration of the animals’ interests before humans’ desire for entertainment.

DN works for full transparency about the circus animals’ situation, also when it comes to the “training” they have undergone.

7 Experiments and genetic manipulation with animals

7.1 Animal experiments

DN works for animal experiments to be rejected and prohibited on both ethical and medical grounds. Animal experiments must not be allowed to destroy respect for life, or harden the practitioner towards both animal and human suffering. Acceptance of coercion and infliction of pain contributes to maintaining the perception of a large difference in value between animals and humans, which causes abuse, neglect, and indifference. Total abolition of all animal experiments is both possible and necessary.

As long as animal experiments are nevertheless permitted, it is DN’s goal that this should involve as few animals and involve as little suffering as possible.

A natural consequence of using animals in experiments must be a particularly strong obligation for those responsible to ensure the animal’s welfare. Every animal shall be given optimal conditions to have its physical, mental, and social needs satisfied.

Those responsible for the experiment must ensure that each animal that has been used, and which after the completed experiment can still be given a good existence, shall be transferred to conditions with good welfare throughout its natural life course.

Very high demands must be placed on justification before an animal experiment is allowed to be initiated. No one must be allowed to initiate experiments without solid documentation of utility value and that the result cannot be obtained in any other way. Purely economic motives must be rejected.

The local person in charge’s mandate to approve animal experiments must be transferred to the national experimental animal committee, which must be given sufficient personnel resources and competence.

The experimental animal committee must have a composition that ensures impartiality and confidence in its animal welfare assessments.

Mandatory training for researchers and other personnel who are given responsibility for experimental animals must be strengthened, and competence must be ensured through regular updating.

Educational institutions must not inflict diseases or mutilations on healthy animals. Any use of animals in education shall be avoided, and the institution must, through both practice and theory, seek to promote the student’s empathy and respect for animals as individual individuals.

The animal welfare authority’s control of keeping and handling of the animals must be particularly thorough and frequent, and they must also have responsibility for developing the welfare requirements further.

The experimental animal committee must have an independent responsibility to ensure that experiments are carried out as intended.

The authorities must give high priority to the development of techniques and procedures that can replace animal experiments. Similarly, there shall be a continuous search for methods that can reduce the number of individuals that are exploited, and to mitigate the possible pain the experiment causes.

No animal must be allowed to be subjected to pain beyond a fixed limit. Indication of presumed maximum pain level must accompany any application for animal experiments, and be required to be stated in the reporting. In determining the pain threshold, any doubt shall benefit the animals. Fish must consequently be considered to have the same pain sensation as other animals.

In line with all other conditions that affect animal welfare, there must be full transparency about the experimental animals’ application and life situation. Clear, continuous, and accessible reporting registers must ensure that previously conducted experiments are not repeated unnecessarily.

Cosmetics and other products that have been tested on animals shall be labeled with this.

7.2 Genetic manipulation and genetic interventions

DN is opposed to any form of genetic manipulation, whether this occurs through breeding or through intervention, which causes the individual to become deformed, changes behavior patterns, gets excessive development of certain traits or characteristics, or which impairs the animal’s health and welfare.

In addition, we oppose the use of any method that involves inevitable stress or pain in animals that are used as breeding animals for genetically modified offspring.

Cloning of animals shall not be permitted.

8 Miscellaneous

8.1 Abuse and neglect

Persons who have neglected or abused animals shall, as a general rule, lose the right to own and have other involvement with animals forever. In addition, ordinary punishment and mandatory relevant therapy shall be imposed.

The law’s penalty framework should be increased to the same level as for corresponding abuse against humans.

Animal welfare cases must receive serious and rapid treatment by the police and the judiciary.

The state animal welfare authority shall be responsible for reporting and following up animal welfare cases, including ensuring that a person who has been deprived of the right to keep animals does not again have responsibility for animals.

Mandatory registration and identification marking of all animals is necessary to be able to prevent and uncover neglect and abuse.

The animal welfare authority shall give complete feedback to the person who reports irresponsible animal keeping and abuse. Each case shall be registered and statistically recorded. In line with all other aspects of animal keeping, full transparency is required around these conditions.

8.2 Trade and ethical consumption

DN shall promote the sale and use of goods from good animal husbandry, and counteract the sale and use of goods from poor animal husbandry.

Import of animals and animal products shall not weaken animal welfare on a global basis.

DN works to ensure that products are not imported from animals that are kept, treated, or slaughtered in ways that are prohibited in Norway. This applies, for example, to goose liver, frog legs, ivory, furs from animals caught with foothold traps or from ritual slaughter.

A ban must be introduced on the import of live wild-caught animals.

No animals must be exported to countries where they are not guaranteed at least as good welfare as in Norway.

State authorities must promote access to and sales of goods that are produced by the most animal-friendly production methods at any given time, including through reduced taxation and transfers from other production methods.

Goods produced in the most animal-friendly way at any given time must be controlled and labeled by an instance without economic interest in the industry.

Any animal product that is sold shall have a declaration about conditions in the production form that are important for the animals’ welfare. Advertising or other forms of misleading information that may obscure reality are not accepted.

8.3 Environmental protection, nature conservation, and conservation of biodiversity

As a natural consequence of DN’s primary purpose of the individual’s welfare, we also work to promote balance in nature and for the survival of species. DN is against any action that involves a threat to animals’ habitats, or that puts species at risk of extinction.

The most important prerequisite for any wild animal’s welfare is the natural basis. DN is consequently also a nature and environmental protection organization.

We have as a goal to secure for the animals large contiguous areas of various landscape types, and to prevent all forms of pollution. In all area planning and utilization of nature for human purposes, consideration for the animals shall be ensured high priority by virtue of law.

DN recognizes that trade and smuggling of animals can cause both suffering for the individual animal, and be a threat in relation to the individual species’ ability to survive.

Animal species that live in – or get their food – from the sea or ocean, are particularly vulnerable to oil damage in the event of spills and accidents. DN shall exert pressure on the authorities to have stricter measures implemented to avoid oil disasters.

Research in oil spill technology must be intensified, and oil spill preparedness in all coastal municipalities must be strengthened significantly. Rescue of animals must be a high priority and integrated part of the preparedness, with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority as the responsible body.

Pilotage must be introduced for all ships that traffic the Norwegian coast, and stricter control of the ships’ seaworthiness and general condition. It must be mandated that all ships that carry oil, chemicals, or other dangerous substances, shall have a double hull.

Work shall be done to gather information and knowledge about the most effective rescue of animals affected by pollution. Including washing, treatment, handling, reintroduction, and follow-up.

DN shall at all times have preparedness to disseminate information about prevention and rescue of animals affected by pollution. In crisis situations, DN shall prioritize its own aid measures towards species and individual individuals that are least secured assistance from authorities or others.

A nationwide network of local reception stations for hazardous substances must be secured, easily accessible for companies and individuals.

The authorities must be encouraged to take a more restrictive attitude to oil extraction in our sea areas.

DN should seek cooperation with other environmental and nature conservation organizations as far as this is expedient.

8.4 Outdoor recreation and outdoor events

Orienteering races, motorsport, and other organized mass activities must be placed outside the time when the animals court, build nests, give birth, and raise their young.

The organizer must ensure that the activity does not create a risk of scaring animals out into a trafficked area or to another place with a high risk of accidents.

In very snowy periods, it must be prevented against traffic that can inflict dangerous energy-consuming stress and fear on deer.

Dogs must be kept on a leash when there may be a risk of scaring or chasing wild animals.

It must be the Animal Welfare Authorities’ responsibility to inform the population about animal-friendly traffic in nature.

8.5 Protection against traffic damage

Both wild animals, livestock, and family animals are to a large extent injured and killed by cars and trains. DN therefore works to ensure that any animal owner must be obliged to take measures that can avert traffic damage.

The owner of the road and railway must, for their part, be obliged to implement the measures that are possible to prevent animals from being affected.

The authorities must have the overall responsibility for developing ever better methods for shielding animals along roads and railways. The measures shall take into account wild animals’ ability to cross roads and railways.

Consideration for wild animals’ accessibility and other welfare shall be given great weight during the investigation of new facilities.

A continuous overview must be kept of all traffic damage that affects animals in Norway.

The authorities must ensure routines that immediately notify the owner in the event of damage that affects livestock or family animals. This presupposes mandatory registration and identification marking.

8.6 DN’s language policy

DN shall seek to use a language form that is suitable for promoting respect, compassion, and tolerance towards animals as individual individuals.

The industries’, administration’s, and other professional environments’ choice of concepts often gives a misleading impression of animals’ needs and welfare, and contributes to maintaining the perception of a difference in value between different species. DN will counteract this by using language consciously as a cost-free tool.

As far as it is natural from its context, DN will choose designations that are also used about humans.