The experiments may be allowed only for the purpose of developing, producing or testing medicines or food or for assessing the impact of other substances on human beings, animals, plants or the environment. The experiments may be carried out only on breeding animals and by authorized centres. The decree prohibits any experiments on endangered species. The experiments may be performed only when there is no other method scientifically proven to be effective for the results to be achieved. A description of the experiment (including procedures, objectives, etc.) must be submitted to the appropriate health authority. The execution of the experiment is also subject to the authorization of the Ministry of Health. Articles 4-6 establish all other measures necessary for the protection of the animals during experiments (i.e. qualifications of the personnel; hygiene and sanitary procedures; checks on the health conditions of the animals; protection measures against cruelty, harmful effects, sufferings; diagnostic tests; analyses, etc.).