The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply where the animals have been raised in compatible groups, are accustomed to each other, where separation will cause distress or where females are accompanied by dependent young. TRANSPORT PRACTICES Article 16 Floors and bedding The floor surfaces of means of transport or containers shall be maintained so as to minimise the risk of slipping and leakage of urine and faeces. An appropriate bedding which absorbs urine and faeces and which provides an adequate resting material shall cover the floor of the means of transport or containers, unless an alternative method is used that provides at least the same advantages to the animals. Article 17 Space allowances (floor area and height) 1. Animals shall be provided with adequate space to stand in their natural position in the means of transport or container. Space to lie down at the same time shall be provided unless the technical protocol or special conditions for the protection of animals require otherwise. A technical protocol, drawn up in accordance with Article 34 of this Convention, shall determine the minimum space allowances for animals. 2. To prevent injury by excessive movement, partitions shall be used to subdivide large groups of animals or subdivide a pen which contains fewer animals than its normal capacity, which otherwise would have too much space. 3. Partitions shall be appropriate to the size and species of the animals, and shall be positioned, secured and maintained so as to prevent injury or suffering to the animals. Article 18 Tying of animals When animals are tied, the ropes, the tethers or other means used shall be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, and long enough to allow the animals, if necessary, to lie down and to eat and drink. They shall be designed in such a way as to eliminate any danger of strangulation or injury. Animals shall not be tied by the horns, antlers, legs, nose-rings nor be transported having their legs tied together. Animals shall be tied only with devices allowing them to be quickly released. Article 19 Ventilation and temperature 1. Sufficient ventilation shall be provided to ensure that the needs of the animals are fully met, taking into account in particular the number and type of the animals to be transported and the expected weather conditions during the journey. 2. Containers shall be stowed in a way which does not impede their ventilation. 3. Where animals are to be transported in adverse conditions of temperature and humidity, suitable arrangements shall be taken to safeguard their welfare. Article 20 Water, feed and rest 1. During transport, animals shall be offered water, feed and the opportunity to rest as appropriate to their species and age, at suitable intervals. 2. A technical protocol, drawn up in accordance with Article 34 of this Convention, will determine the maximum travelling times and minimum watering and feeding intervals and resting periods. 3. Water and feed shall be of good quality and presented to the animals in a way which minimises contamination. Article 21 Females in lactation Lactating females not accompanied by their offspring shall not be transported for long periods. However, where this is unavoidable, they shall be milked shortly before loading and at intervals of not more than 12 hours during the course of a journey. Article 22 Lighting The means of transport shall be equipped with a means of lighting, fixed or portable, sufficient for general inspection of the animals and where this is necessary during transport and for watering and feeding. Article 23 Containers 1. During transport and handling, containers shall always be kept upright and severe jolts or shaking shall be minimised. 2. Containers shall be secured so as to prevent their displacement by the motion of the means of transport. Article 24 Care during transport The person in charge of the welfare of the animals shall take every opportunity to check them and to administer, if necessary, the appropriate care. Article 25 Emergency and casualty care during transport Animals that fall ill or are injured during transport shall receive first-aid care as soon as possible; if necessary, they shall be given appropriate veterinary treatment or be killed in a way which does not cause them any additional suffering. SPECIAL PROVISIONS Article 26 Special provisions for transport by rail 1. Any railway wagon used in the transport of animals shall be marked to indicate the presence of live animals. Unless the animals are transported in containers, the inside walls of the railway wagon shall be of suitable material, completely smooth and fitted with rings or bars, at a suitable height, to which the animals may be attached. 2. Where they are not transported in individual boxes, solipeds shall be tied in such a way that they are all facing the same side of the railway wagon or tied