No L 76/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 18. 3. 97 COMMISSION DECISION of 24 February 1997 amending the Annex to Directive 91/629/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves (Text with EEA relevance) (97/182/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 91/629/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves ('), as amended by Council Directive 97/2/EC (3, and in particular Article S thereof, Whereas as provided for in Article 6 of Directive 91/629/EEC, the Scientific Veterinary Committee has given an opinion on 9 November 1995, on the basis of which the Commission has drawn up a report which has been submitted to the Council and to the Parliament; Whereas on the basis of the conclusions of this report, it is appropriate to amend certain provisions of the Annex to Directive 91/629/EEC; Whereas calves kept indoors should be inspected by the owner or the person responsible for the animals at least twice daily and calves kept outdoors at least once daily; Whereas based on data on disease incidence, immune system function and exercise, calves should be fed in such a way that their blood haemoglobin does not fall below a certain minimum level; Whereas tethering of calves causes problems; whereas for that reason individually penned calves should not be tethered and group housed calves may only be tethered for a short period at the time of feeding milk; Whereas calves should be fed fermentable material, appropriate in quality and sufficient in quantity to main- tain the microbial flora of the gut and sufficient fibre to stimulate the development of villi in the rumen; Whereas in addition to existing requirements for the provision of water, or other liquids, calves which are ill or are subject to hot weather conditions shall have access to fresh water; () OJ No L 340, 11. 12. 1991, p. 28. () OJ No L 25, 18. 1. 1997, p. 24. Whereas in order to ensure adequate immunoglobulin levels in the blood, calves should receive sufficient colos- trum within the first six hours of life and as soon as possible after birth; Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Annex to Directive 91/629/EEC shall be amended as follows: 1. Point 6 is replaced by the following text: ‘6. All housed calves shall be inspected by the owner or the person responsible for the animals at least twice daily and calves kept outside shall be inspected at least once daily. Any calf which appears to be ill or injured shall be treated appro- priately without delay and veterinary advice shall be obtained as soon as possible for any calf which is not responding to the stock-keepers care. Where necessary, sick or injured calves shall be isolated in adequate accommodation with dry, comfortable bedding.’ 2. Point 7 is replaced by the following text: ‘7. The accommodation for calves must be constructed in such way as to allow each calf to lie down, rest, stand up and groom itself without difficulty. 3. Point 8 is replaced by the following text: ‘8. Calves shall not be tethered, with the exception of group-housed calves which may be tethered for periods of not more than one hour at the time of feeding milk or milk substitute. Where tethers are used, they shall not cause injury to the calves and shall be inspected reguarly and adjusted as neces- sary to ensure a comfortable fit. Each tether shall be designed to avoid the risk of strangulation or injury and to allow the calf to move in accordance with point 7.