Animal containment cages

Abstract

To provide an animal housing cage which excels in environmental enrichment, which can reduce damage on an animal when the animal is housed in the cage, and which protects workers and related parties such as veterinarians in an event of transfer, medical treatment / examination of an animal, and also can prevent destruction by a housed animal.SOLUTION: In an animal housing cage which is structured by a top surface, a floor surface, and right, left, front and back side surfaces, movable partitions are installed inside the cage. The movable partitions are movable at least in one direction of a vertical direction, a lateral direction and a front / back direction of the case inside by means of an operation member installed in an outer part of the cage. At least a part of the movable partitions and at least a part of the opposite faces facing the movable partitions are configured so that buffered surface and non buffered surface can be switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cage for accommodating animals, and more particularly to a cage for accommodating animals that can transport, treat, diagnose, etc. without injuring the animals.

Background Art

[0002] Animal cages are used when it is necessary to move animals to a predetermined location, such as capturing animals and transporting them to zoos or transporting animals to hospitals for treatment. In addition, animal cages are also used when it is necessary to keep animals in a predetermined location for a certain period of time when performing health diagnosis, blood sampling, treatment, etc. of animals. Among the animals raised in zoos, aquariums, animal parks, pet shops, livestock facilities, etc., there are animals that require special attention. When coming into contact with animals for transportation, treatment, diagnosis, etc., there is a possibility of accidents occurring between workers, veterinarians, and other related personnel. On the other hand, in recent years, environmental enrichment that devises the breeding environment of animals has attracted attention in order to improve the welfare and health of the animals being bred. When transporting, treating, diagnosing, etc. animals, administering drugs with anesthetic guns or the like to suppress the behavior of animals or forcibly pushing animals into cages causes great damage to the animals, and there are also problems from the perspective of environmental enrichment. In addition, there were problems such as it taking a long time to naturally induce animals into cages. Under such circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses an animal housing cage (squeeze cage) that has an internal partition fence that can be moved by an external operation, and controls the movement range of animals without using anesthetic guns or the like by sandwiching the animals between the partition fence and the cage wall surface. Since the moving speed of the partition fence is slow, it is said that it will not cause unexpected injury to the animals inside the cage. However, considering that the material of the partition fence is high-strength metal and this is pressed against the animal's body, further improvement is necessary from the perspective of environmental enrichment, and a device that is not easily damaged by the animals housed in the animal housing cage is also required.

Prior Art Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-34376 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an animal enclosure that offers excellent environmental enrichment. Another problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an animal enclosure that can reduce the damage suffered by animals when they are placed inside, prevent workers, veterinarians and other related personnel from being exposed to danger during animal transport, treatment, diagnosis, etc., and prevent damage caused by the animals placed inside. Yet another problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an animal enclosure system that allows animals to be placed inside the enclosure quickly without becoming wary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention conducted diligent research to solve the above problems and found that the above problems could be solved by adopting the following configuration, thus arriving at the present invention. The specific configuration is as follows: [Section 1] In an animal enclosure consisting of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides, a movable partition surface is provided inside the enclosure. The movable partition surface can be moved in at least one direction within the cage, either vertically, horizontally, or horizontally, by an operating member provided on the outside of the cage. An animal enclosure in which at least a portion of the movable partition surface and at least a portion of the surface facing the movable partition surface can be switched between a buffer surface and a non-buffer surface. [Section 2] The animal enclosure described in item 1, wherein the buffer surface and non-buffer surface of the movable partition surface can be switched independently of the movement of the movable partition surface by an operating member provided on the outside of the cage. [Section 3] An animal enclosure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the members constituting the buffer surface and the non-buffer surface on the movable partition surface and / or the surface facing the movable partition surface are removable. [Section 4] Equipped with an animal housing cage as described in item 1 or item 2, The animal enclosure is equipped with at least one animal entrance that can be opened and closed, An animal enclosure system in which the aforementioned animal entrance and exit are connected to the animal living area. [Section 5] At least one of the animal entrances is in communication with the animal living area via an animal passage cage. The animal enclosure system according to item 4, wherein the animal entrance and the animal passage cage are connected in a detachable manner. [Section 6] The enclosure for housing animals is comprised of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides, and the enclosure for housing animals is equipped with at least one openable and closable animal entrance. At least one of the aforementioned animal entrances is connected to the animal living area via an animal passage cage. An animal enclosure system in which the animal entrance and the animal passage cage are connected in a detachable manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention makes it possible to provide an animal enclosure that offers excellent environmental enrichment. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to provide an animal enclosure that can reduce the damage suffered by animals when they are housed in the enclosure, and that does not expose workers, veterinarians, and other related personnel to danger during animal transport, treatment, examinations, etc., and can prevent damage caused by the housed animals. This invention relates to an animal enclosure (squeeze cage) that controls the range of movement of animals without using tranquilizer guns or the like by having a movable partition surface inside that can be moved by operation from outside the cage, and by trapping the animal between the movable partition surface and the cage wall. By using cushioning material on the movable partition surface and a part of the cage wall, the burden on the animal when trapped can be reduced. By making it possible to switch between the cushioning surface and the non-cushioning surface, the cushioning material can be protected from damage caused by contact with the animal when not being trapped. Furthermore, by separating the switching mechanism between the buffer surface and the non-buffer surface from the operating mechanism of the movable partition surface, and by linking multiple switching mechanisms, the switching operation can be made easier. Furthermore, by integrating animal enclosures into the space where animals normally live (animal living area), it is possible to reduce the animals' wariness of the enclosures. This allows animals to be easily guided into the enclosures when needed, enabling them to be housed in a short amount of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic front perspective view of one embodiment of an animal containment cage according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A rearward perspective schematic view of one embodiment of an animal containment cage according to the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an animal containment cage according to the present invention. [Figure 4] A schematic front view of one embodiment of the animal cage system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic front view of another embodiment of the animal cage system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the animal cage system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the animal cage system according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the animal housing cage and the animal cage system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope in which the effects of the present invention are achieved. In addition, the use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0009] [Animal housing cage] The animal housing cage of the present invention is composed of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear side surfaces, and a movable partition surface is provided inside the cage. The movable partition surface can be moved in at least one of the vertical, horizontal, or front-rear directions inside the cage by an operating member provided outside the cage. Further, at least a part of the movable partition surface and at least a part of the surface facing the movable partition surface are each configured to be able to switch between a buffer surface and a non-buffer surface. Furthermore, in the animal housing cage of the present invention, the buffer surface and the non-buffer surface on the movable partition surface can be switched independently of the movement of the movable partition surface by an operating member provided outside the cage. Moreover, in the animal housing cage of the present invention, at least a part of the member constituting the buffer surface and the non-buffer surface on the movable partition surface and / or the surface facing the movable partition surface is removable.

[0010] FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic views showing an embodiment of the animal housing cage according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front perspective schematic view seen from the front obliquely, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective schematic view seen from the rear obliquely, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view. In each figure, A represents the animal housing cage, and 1 represents the movable partition surface. Also, in this specification, the front, rear, left, and right directions of the animal housing cage are defined as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0011] The animal enclosure A shown in Figures 1 to 3 is constructed as a box-shaped enclosure with a floorboard (not shown), a front fence wall 101, a rear fence wall 102, a left fence wall 103, and a right fence wall 104 installed on top of it, and a ceiling (not shown) above them. In the present invention, the floorboard, front fence wall, rear fence wall, left fence wall, right fence wall, and ceiling may each be made of separate components, or they may be made of components equivalent to two or more of these (for example, a component in which the front fence wall, rear fence wall, left fence wall, and right fence wall are integrated).

[0012] Animal enclosure A has an animal entrance that opens and closes when an animal is placed inside. The location where the animal entrance is provided is not particularly limited and can be provided on one or more of the top surface, floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides. In the present invention, it is preferable to provide an animal entrance on one or more of the left side fence wall 103 and the right side fence wall 104. Furthermore, the animal entrance is provided with an opening and closing mechanism, and any type of opening and closing mechanism can be adopted, such as a drop-door structure that opens and closes by moving up and down, a sliding door structure that opens and closes by moving left and right, or a door structure that opens and closes by moving front and back. In the present invention, it is preferable to use a drop-door structure that opens and closes by moving up and down because it is possible to close the door quickly. Furthermore, it is preferable that the animal entrance be lockable, taking into consideration the safety of the worker, etc. This makes it difficult for animals to break through the opening and closing mechanism.

[0013] Animal enclosure A is equipped with one or more movable partition surface moving members 2 for moving the movable partition surface 1 in at least one direction within the enclosure: vertical, horizontal, or front-to-back (in Figures 1 to 3, there are four movable partition surface moving members 2a to 2d). All movable partition surface moving members 2 are connected to the movable partition surface 1, and at least one movable partition surface moving member 2a is connected to a movable partition surface operating member 3 provided outside animal enclosure A. The movable partition surface moving member 2a connected to the movable partition surface operating member 3 is connected directly or indirectly to the other movable partition surface moving members 2b to 2d by any means. This makes it possible to transmit the movement generated by operating the movable partition surface operating member 3 to the other movable partition surface moving members 2b to 2d, thereby allowing the movable partition surface 1 to be moved stably. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, by having four movable partition surface moving members 2 and connecting each of them at the four corners of the rectangular movable partition surface 1, the operability and stability of the movable partition surface 1 are improved, and even when an animal is fixed (squeezed) between the movable partition surface 1 and the surface facing the movable partition surface 1, it becomes possible to securely fix the animal. In addition, the movement of the movable partition surface moving member 2a caused by operating the movable partition surface operating member 3 is transmitted to the other movable partition surface moving members 2b to 2d by a vertical power transmission mechanism 4 and / or a horizontal power transmission mechanism 5 (in Figures 1 to 3, there are two horizontal power transmission mechanisms 5a and 5b) provided on the outside of the animal containment cage A. The movable partition surface moving member 2 can be any member such as a threaded rod, chain, belt, or gear. Furthermore, the vertical power transmission mechanism 4 and / or the horizontal power transmission mechanism 5 are not particularly limited as long as they include one or more members selected from chains, belts, shafts, or gears. In the present invention, it is preferable to use a threaded rod, for example, as the movable partition surface moving member 2. Examples of vertical power transmission mechanisms 4 include mechanisms using chains, belts, shafts, and gears, and it is preferable to use a combination of one or more types of chains or belts and gears from viewpoints such as placement space, cost, simplification of the mechanism, and stability of power transmission. Examples of horizontal power transmission mechanisms 5 include mechanisms using chains, belts, shafts, and gears, and in addition to viewpoints such as placement space, cost, simplification of the mechanism, and stability of power transmission, it is preferable to use a combination of shafts and gears from the viewpoint of preventing slack when using chains.

[0014] In one embodiment of the animal enclosure according to the present invention, shown in Figures 1 to 3, four threaded rods 2a to 2d are provided as movable partition surface moving members 2. These threaded rods 2a to 2d pass through threaded joints provided at four locations on the movable partition surface 1. Bevel gears are attached to the rear ends of these threaded rods 2a to 2d, and the front ends are supported by bearings provided at four locations on the front fence wall 101. The bevel gear attached to the rear end of the upper left threaded rod 2a and the bevel gear attached to the rear end of the upper right threaded rod 2b are connected to an upper shaft 5a, which has other bevel gears attached to both ends, as a lateral power transmission mechanism 5, so that the upper left threaded rod 2a and the upper right threaded rod 2b rotate in sync. Similarly, the bevel gear attached to the rear end of the lower left threaded rod 2c and the bevel gear attached to the rear end of the lower right threaded rod 2d are connected to a lower shaft 5b, which has other bevel gears attached to both ends, as a lateral power transmission mechanism 5, so that the lower left threaded rod 2c and the lower right threaded rod 2d rotate in sync. Furthermore, spur gears are attached near the rear ends of the upper left threaded rod 2a and the lower left threaded rod 2c. Chains are attached to these spur gears as a vertical power transmission mechanism 4, causing the upper left threaded rod 2a and the lower left threaded rod 2c to rotate in sync. Furthermore, a partition surface drive handle 3 is attached to the front end of the upper left threaded rod 2a as a movable partition surface operating member 3, and by rotating this partition surface drive handle 3, all threaded rods 2a to 2d rotate in sync.

[0015] Multiple rods are provided on the front fence wall 101, the rear fence wall 102, and the movable partition surface 1 of the animal containment cage A. The number of rods provided on the front fence wall 101, the rear fence wall 102, and the movable partition surface 1 is not particularly limited and can be provided at intervals that prevent the animals contained in the cage from escaping, taking into account the size and characteristics of the animals to be contained in the cage. Power receiving members (gears, chains, belts, etc.) that directly or indirectly receive power from the rod switching operation member 6 are provided on the upper ends of these rods. In the animal containment cage A shown in Figures 1 to 3, pinion gears are attached, and the lower ends are supported by bearings provided on the frames of the front fence wall 101, the rear fence wall 102, and the movable partition surface 1. The pinion gears attached to each of the front fence wall rods are connected to the rod switching operation member 6 or the rod switching power transmission member 7 (for example, spur gears (plate gears), belts, chains, etc.).

[0016] In the animal enclosure A shown in Figures 1 to 3, a rod switching power transmission member 7, which transmits power from the rod switching operating member 6 to the power receiving member of the rod, is connected to the front fence wall rack gear 7a, so that all the front fence wall rods rotate in sync. Similarly, the pinion gears attached to each of the rear fence wall rods are connected to the rear fence wall rack gear 7b, so that all the rear fence wall rods rotate in sync. Furthermore, each of the pinion gears attached to the movable partition wall rods is connected to the movable partition wall rack gear 7c, so that all the movable partition wall rods rotate in sync. These rack gears 7a to 7c are connected to the shaft 8 via another pinion gear, so that all the front fence wall rods, rear fence wall rods, and movable partition wall rods rotate in sync. A rod switching operating member 6 is attached to the front end of the shaft 8. By operating (rotating) this rod switching operating member 6, all the rods rotate in sync, thereby switching between the buffer surface and the non-buffer surface.

[0017] In the animal enclosure A, the rod switching power transmission member 7 provided on the movable partition surface 1 is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 8 connected to the rod switching operating member 6, and to rotate in synchronization with the shaft 8. For example, this can be configured by providing a recess or protrusion on the shaft 8, and providing a protrusion or recess on the rod switching power transmission member 7 that fits with the recess or protrusion, and then fitting the two together. In Figures 1 to 3, the pinion gear 9 connecting the shaft 8, which is connected to the bar material switching handle 6, and the movable partition surface rack gear 7c is fitted with a keyway (or spline), and the shaft 8 is fitted with a keyway (or spline) that matches the shape of the keyway (or spline). As a result, the pinion gear 9 can slide along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 8 while transmitting rotational force. In other words, the fitting between the pinion gear 9 and the movable partition surface rack gear 7c is maintained regardless of the position of the movable partition surface 1, so that the movable partition surface bar can rotate independently of the movement of the movable partition surface 1.

[0018] In the animal enclosure A shown in Figures 1 to 3, cushioning material 10 is attached to one side of each rod, with the side with the cushioning material attached being the cushioning surface and the side without the cushioning material being the non-cushioning surface. By rotating the rod switching handle 6, all the rods rotate in unison, and the mounting position of the cushioning material 10 is adjusted so that the orientation of the cushioning material on the front fence wall is the same. Similarly, the mounting position of the cushioning material 10 is adjusted so that the orientation of the cushioning material on the rear fence wall is the same, and the orientation of the cushioning material on the movable partition surface is the same. In the animal enclosure A, when an animal is placed between the movable partition surface 1, the mounting position of the cushioning material 10 is adjusted so that both the side of the movable partition surface that contacts the animal and the surface that faces the movable partition surface and holds the animal are cushioning surfaces. In other cases, it is preferable that the surface facing the animal be the non-cushioning surface in order to reduce damage to the cushioning surface by the animal.

[0019] In animal enclosure A, the rods may be removable as needed. Specifically, it is preferable that the lower end of the rod is inserted into a bearing and not fixed with a fixing member, and the upper end of the rod is simply passed through a through hole and not fixed with a fixing member. Furthermore, it is preferable that the movable partition surface 1 be moved manually by a person. This helps prevent injuries to the animals being housed.

[0020] A ceiling member may be provided on the top surface of animal enclosure A to conceal the operating mechanism, prevent injury to the animals and workers, prevent and suppress dirt and corrosion of the operating mechanism, and enhance the aesthetic design of the enclosure. The ceiling member can be made of any material such as metal, wood, or plastic. The floor of animal enclosure A may be provided with a floor panel to conceal the operating mechanism, prevent injury to the animals and workers, prevent and suppress dirt and corrosion of the operating mechanism, and facilitate cleaning of the interior. The floor panel can be made of any material such as metal, wood, or plastic, and may be made of mesh for ventilation and liquid permeability.

[0021] Multiple wheels may be attached to the underside of the floor of the animal containment cage A, thereby allowing the animal containment cage A to be easily moved. Handles are provided on either or both of the front fence wall 101 and the rear fence wall 102, allowing the animal containment cage A to be easily moved when connecting or separating it from the animal passage cage B.

[0022] When using the animal containment cage A of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, first, open either the left side fence wall 103 or the right side fence wall 104 to create an entrance for the animal. At this time, rotate the partition surface drive handle 3 to move the movable partition surface 1 towards either the front fence wall 101 or the rear fence wall 102 to facilitate the entry of the animal. After the animal enters the animal containment cage A through the entrance, quickly close the entrance. Next, rotate the rod switching handle 6 to adjust the direction of the rod so that the cushioning material 10 faces the animal. Then, rotate the partition surface drive handle 3 to gradually move the movable partition surface 1 towards the animal. The moved movable partition surface 1 can fix the animal inside the animal containment cage A between the front fence wall 101 or the rear fence wall 102 and the movable partition surface 1, thereby restricting the animal's movement. Since the amount of movement of the movable partition surface 1 is small compared to the amount of rotation of the partition surface drive handle 3, there is no risk of causing unexpected injury to the animal. Furthermore, since the movement of the movable partition surface 1 is a linear motion converted from the rotational motion of the partition surface drive handle 3, the animal will not be easily pushed back even if it struggles inside the cage. In addition, because the cushioning material 10 is in contact with the animal, the burden on the animal is small both when the animal is being trapped and when the animal struggles inside the cage.

[0023] [Animal cage system] The animal cage system of the present invention comprises an animal containment cage, the animal containment cage having at least one openable and closable animal entrance, and the animal entrance and the animal living area being in communication, wherein the animal containment cage is the cage described in [animal containment cage] above. In the animal cage system of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the animal entrances is in communication with the animal living area via an animal passage cage, and that the animal entrance and the animal passage cage are connected in a detachable manner. Furthermore, the animal cage system of the present invention comprises an animal enclosure consisting of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides, the animal enclosure having at least one openable and closable animal entrance, at least one of the animal entrances communicating with the animal living area via an animal passage cage, and the animal entrance and the animal passage cage being detachably connected. Figures 4 to 7 are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of the animal cage system according to the present invention, with Figures 4 and 5 being front schematic diagrams and Figures 6 and 7 being cross-sectional schematic diagrams at cross-section a. In each figure, A represents the animal containment cage, B represents the animal passage cage, and C represents the animal living area. Furthermore, Figures 4 and 6 show the state in which the animal containment cage A and the animal passage cage B are connected, while Figures 5 and 7 show the state in which the animal containment cage A and the animal passage cage B are separated. In addition, Figures 4 and 5 show the state in which the animal passage cage B is connected to the animal living area C. Animal Living Area C is not particularly limited to any place where the animals being kept live, and includes breeding spaces, exhibition spaces, exercise spaces, sleeping areas, feeding areas, drinking areas, etc.

[0024] The animal enclosure A shown in Figures 4 to 7 consists of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides, and is equipped with at least one openable and closable animal entrance. For example, an animal enclosure A similar to the one described above in [Animal Enclosure] is shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this embodiment, both the left and right side fence walls are drop-door structures that open and close by moving vertically. Handles 21 are provided at the upper ends of these fence walls, and the fence walls can be opened and closed by raising and lowering a wire 22 connected to the handle 21. Preferably, the handle 21 has a recess in the center to prevent lateral displacement of the connection part of the wire 22.

[0025] Animal passage cage B functions as part of a passage connecting the living areas C of animals that are far apart from each other, and is not particularly limited as long as it is constructed in a way that prevents animals from escaping the passage. In the animal enclosure system shown in Figures 4 to 7, the animal passage cage B consists of a pair of box-shaped cages. Both the left and right side fence walls of each box-shaped cage have a drop-door structure that opens and closes by moving vertically. The pair of box-shaped cages are arranged with a gap between them that allows for the insertion and connection of the animal containment cage A. Preferably, a ramp 23 is provided on the upper surface of the floorboard of each box-shaped cage to eliminate the step between it and the upper surface of the floorboard of the animal containment cage A when connected. This makes it possible to suppress animal injuries and escapes.

[0026] On the upper part of the left and right side fence walls of each box-shaped cage, the side that comes into contact with the animal containment cage A when connected, is fitted with a rail 24 for the left and right side fence walls of animal containment cage A to slide up and down. A wire 22 for opening and closing the fence walls of animal containment cage A is attached to the rail 24. To easily raise and lower the fence walls of animal containment cage A, it is preferable that a balance weight 25 is connected to the wire 22 via a pulley.

[0027] When using the animal cage system according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, first, with the left and right side fence walls of the box-shaped cage closed, the animal passage cage B is connected to the animal living area C. Next, the animal containment cage A is moved between the pair of box-shaped cages. At this time, the left and right side fence walls of the animal containment cage A are kept closed. Also, the partition surface drive handle 3 of the animal containment cage A is turned to move the movable partition surface towards either the front or rear fence wall, and the rod material switching handle 6 is turned to adjust the direction of the rod material so that the cushioning material does not face the animal side. After that, wires 22 are connected to the handles 21 on the left and right side fence walls of the animal containment cage A, and the wires 22 are operated to open these fence walls. Finally, by opening the left and right side fences of the box-shaped enclosure, animals can move freely between the animal living area C and the animal containment enclosure A via the animal passage cage B, and it is expected that the animals will become accustomed to the animal containment enclosure A during this time. Furthermore, since the cushioning material of the animal containment enclosure A does not face the animals, the cushioning material can be protected from damage caused by contact with the animals.

[0028] Using the animal cage system according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, when restraining the movement of animals in animal containment cage A, animals can be quickly and safely guided into animal containment cage A by placing food, water, toys, etc. inside animal containment cage A to attract the animals' interest and attention. Since the animal cage system shown in Figures 4 to 7 is normally used as a passageway by animals, animals show little resistance to entering animal containment cage A. Therefore, the effort required to guide animals into animal containment cage A is greatly reduced, and furthermore, the risk of injury to workers due to animals struggling when guiding them into animal containment cage A is also reduced. Once the animal enters animal containment cage A, it should be restrained within animal containment cage A using the method described in [Animal Containment Cage].

[0029] The animal cage system of the present invention may also include an animal enclosure comprising a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear side surfaces, wherein the animal enclosure has at least one openable and closable animal entrance, at least one of the animal entrances is in communication with the animal living area via an animal passage cage, and the animal entrance and the animal passage cage are detachably connected. In this animal enclosure system, especially when there is no need to restrain the animals, it is possible to quickly and safely guide animals into the animal enclosure by placing food, water, toys, etc. in the enclosure to attract the animals' interest and attention. For example, by using the animal enclosure and animal passageway enclosure on a daily basis, it becomes possible to guide animals into the animal enclosure without resistance. This significantly reduces the effort required to guide animals into the animal enclosure, and further reduces the risk of injury to workers due to animals struggling when being guided into the enclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] A. Animal containment cages B. Cages for animal passages C.Animal Life Department 101.Front fence wall 102.Rear fence wall 103.Left side fence wall 104.Right side fence wall 1. Movable partition surface 2a. Movable partition surface moving member (upper left threaded rod) 2b. Movable partition surface moving member (upper right threaded rod) 2c. Movable partition surface moving member (lower left threaded rod) 2d. Movable partition surface moving member (bottom right threaded rod) 3. Movable partition surface operating member (partition surface drive handle) 4. Longitudinal power transmission mechanism 5a. Lateral power transmission mechanism (upper shaft) 5b. Lateral power transmission mechanism (lower shaft) 6. Rod material switching operation component (rod material switching handle) 7a. Rod-type switching power transmission member (front fence wall rack gear) 7b. Rod-type switching power transmission member (rear fence wall rack gear) 7c. Rod-type switching power transmission member (movable partition surface rack gear) 8. Shaft (with key cut) 9. Pinion gear (with keyway hole machining) 10.Cushioning material 21. Handle 22. Wire 23. Slope 24. Rails 25. Balance weights

Claims

1. In an animal enclosure consisting of a top surface, a floor surface, and left, right, front, and rear sides, a movable partition surface is provided inside the enclosure. The movable partition surface can be moved in at least one direction within the cage, either vertically, horizontally, or horizontally, by an operating member provided on the outside of the cage. An animal enclosure in which at least a portion of the movable partition surface and at least a portion of the surface facing the movable partition surface can be switched between a buffer surface and a non-buffer surface.

2. The animal enclosure cage according to claim 1, wherein the buffer surface and non-buffer surface of the movable partition surface can be switched independently of the movement of the movable partition surface by an operating member provided on the outside of the cage.

3. The animal enclosure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the members constituting the buffer surface and non-buffer surface on the movable partition surface and / or the surface facing the movable partition surface are removable.

4. A cage for housing animals according to claim 1 or claim 2, The animal enclosure is equipped with at least one animal entrance that can be opened and closed, An animal enclosure system in which the aforementioned animal entrance and exit are connected to the animal living area.

5. At least one of the animal entrances is in communication with the animal living area via an animal passage cage. The animal enclosure system according to claim 4, wherein the animal entrance and the animal passage cage are connected in a detachable manner.

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