European Economic Community 1986. Council Directive 86/609 on the Approximation of Laws, Regulations, and Administrative Provisions Regarding the Protection of Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes, Annex II Guidelines for Accommodation and Care of Animals. Official Journal of the European Communities, 7-28.

European guidelines for housing and handling of laboratory animals. The performance of an animal during an experiment depends very much on its confidence in man, something which has to be developed. ... It is therefore recommended that frequent contact should be maintained so that the animals become familiar with human presence and activity. Where appropriate, time should be set aside for talking, handling and grooming. The staff should be sympathetic, gentle and firm when associating with the animals [p. 13].