Welfare of animals during transport

Advice for farmers, hauliers and transporters of horses, farm livestock, poultry, gamebirds and farmed fish for human consumption.

 

Are you aware of the rules?

New EU rules for transporting animals came into force in January 2007.

The rules are aimed at improving the welfare of animals during transport and include particular requirements for anyone moving live vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity - that is as part of a business or trade.

One of these requirements is for those transporting farm livestock, horses or poultry by road on journeys over 65km to have undertaken a competence assessment and hold a competence certificate.

Exporters must have competence certificates to travel outside the UK.

 

Who carries out the assessment?

Assessments for competence are carried out by independent bodies designated by Defra.  Competence certificates can only be awarded by these accredited organisations.

Further information on this and other requirements of the new rules can be found on the Defra website.

or

Animal Health's Welfare in Transport Helpline
Tel: 0845 603 8395
E-mail: wit@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk

Defra's Transport and Markets Team
Tel: 020 7904 6576
E-mail: aw-transport@defra.gsi.gov.uk