Guidance for those who transport horses by road
(for England and Wales)
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Horses shall not be transported in a way that causes or is likely to cause them injury or unnecessary suffering. A horse shall not be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey. There are no further implications for the transport of pet horses, including privately owned horses used for recreational purposes, unless the transport is of a commercial nature.
Vehicles used for the transport of horses shall be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and to ensure the safety of the animals. Fittings shall be designed for quick and easy operation, and vehicles in which horses are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked indicating the presence of live animals.
During transport, a competent person must accompany horses. Any person transporting horses shall ensure that they are loaded on to a means of transport that has been cleansed, and where necessary, disinfected.
