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Transport of farm animals
Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 farmers transporting their own animals by their own means of transport, for a distance of less than 50km (31 miles) from their holding, must ensure that no person transports an animal or causes animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering. The animal should also be fit for the intended journey.
Those transporting animals in any other circumstances must, in addition to the above welfare requirements, carry an animal transport certificate (ATC). A transporter authorisation is also necessary when transporting animals over a distance of 65km (40.3 miles).
The Order applies to persons who transport live vertebrate animals, including farm livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, deer, and horses), in connection with an economic activity (in other words, a business or trade).
In the guide
Principal requirements
Documentation required
Fitness of animals for transport
Transport requirements for young animals
Personnel
Penalties
Principal requirements
All persons who take animals on a journey, whatever the length, have a duty to ensure that the animals are transported in a way that is not likely to cause injury or undue suffering.
Farmers transporting their own animals, in their own means of transport, for a distance of less than 50km (31 miles) from their holding or as part of transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock) must ensure:
- no person transports an animal or causes animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering
- all necessary arrangements have been made in advance to minimise the length of the journey and meet the animals needs during the journey
- the animals are fit for the journey
- the means of transport (including the means of loading and unloading) is designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals
- the personnel handling the animals are trained or competent in the transport of animals
- the transport is carried out without delay, and the welfare conditions of the animals checked during this journey
- sufficient floor area and height is provided for the animals
- the animals are watered/fed and rested, at suitable intervals as necessary
Documentation required
Persons transporting animals in any other circumstances, must in addition to the above requirements, carry documentation known as an animal transport certificate (ATC) in the vehicle stating:
- the animals origin and ownership
- number and species of animals carried
- their place of departure
- the date and time of departure
- their intended place of destination
- the expected duration of the intended journey
A template form can be found on the Defra website.
An animal movement licence form for sheep and goats (AML1) and pigs (eAML2/haulier summary) may be used as an animal transport certificate for those animals providing all the sections on the form are completed.
The information required should be completed at each stage of the journey and must be made available to an inspector if requested. The ATC must be kept by the transporter for six months after each journey.
Fitness of animals for transport
Animals that are injured, weak or diseased shall not be considered fit for transport, particularly if they:
- are unable to move without pain, or to walk unassisted
- have a severe open wound or prolapse
- are pregnant females for whom 90% or more of the expected gestation period has already passed, or they are females who have given birth in the previous week
- are new born mammals in which the navel was not healed
- have been submitted to veterinary procedures in relation to farming practices such as dehorning or castration and the wounds have not completely healed
- they fall ill or are injured during transport - the Regulations require that an animal must be fit for the intended journey before the journey starts and must remain sufficiently fit throughout the journey - if they do fall ill, they must be separated, given appropriate veterinary treatment and if necessary undergo emergency slaughter or killing in a way which does not cause them unnecessary suffering
Sedatives must not be used on animals to be transported, unless under veterinary supervision.
Lactating females (cattle, sheep and goats) not accompanied by their offspring must be milked at intervals of not more than 12 hours.
Transport requirements for young animals
Pigs under three weeks old, lambs under one week old, and calves under ten days old must not be transported unless they are transported for a distance less than 100km (62.1 miles).
Appropriate bedding for must be provided for:
- piglets of less than 10kgs
- lambs of less than 20kgs
- calves less than six months old
The bedding material used must ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.
Personnel
An attendant must accompany the animals except where the driver performs the functions of an attendant.
In addition, any person transporting animals a distance of over 65km (40.3 miles) must also:
- hold a 'transporter authorisation' issued by Defra
- have received training in the handling of animals and obtained a certificate of competence
Penalties
Any person who contravenes the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 commits an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981 and can receive a fine of up to £5,000 per offence and/or six months' imprisonment on summary conviction
Please note
This leaflet is not an authoritative interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance. Any legislation referred to, while still current, may have been amended from the form in which it was originally enacted. Please contact us for further information.
Relevant legislation
Animal Health Act 1981
Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006
Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) (England) Order 2009
Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2011
Last reviewed/updated: August 2012
Medway Council, Trading Standards Team,
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