Welfare of Animals During Transport
From 5 January 2007, a new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport has applied across the European Union (EU).
The Regulation applies to all those involved with the transport of vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity. For example, livestock and equine hauliers, farmers, animal breeders, performing animal transporters and those working at markets, assembly centres and slaughterhouses.
The Regulation does not apply to individuals who ride for pleasure who transport their own horses, or to individuals taking their own pets on holiday, or to others if their journeys are not in connection with an economic activity.
Guidance on the new rules
Main guidance on the Welfare of Animals During Transport
Guidance on Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport.
This is a living document that will develop in light of experience implementing the Regulation.
Transporter Authorisation
If you transport animals in connection with an economic activity for distances over 65 km (approx 40 miles) you will need a valid transporter authorisation. The application forms and guidance notes are below:
- Guidance notes on the application forms
- Authorisation application form for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours
- Authorisation application form for journeys of any length including those over 8 hours
Competence Certification
All drivers and attendants of animals being transported on journeys of over 65 km are required to have been assessed for competence. For those who travel on short journeys there is a theory test, and for those who travel on long journeys there is an additional practical test. You are required to possess a competence certificate before you apply for transporter authorisation.
Details of how to gain competence certificates can be found using the following link:
The competence required is specific to the role of the person involved, and frameworks giving details can be found using the following links:
- Framework of competence for transporters of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses
- Framework of competence for transporters of poultry
- Framework of competence for Assembly Centre personnel
Vehicle Approval
The Regulation requires that from 5 January 2007 vehicles used for transporting animals on long journeys (those in excess of 8 hours) must be inspected and approved by the competent authority of a Member State or a body designated by a Member State.
Vehicle specifications for approval
Technical and detailed Guidance
Technical and detailed guidance exploring in more depth some of the requirements of the Regulations is also available:
- Guidance Fitness to Travel
- Transporting animals by air
- Shipping farm livestock and horses in containers
- Animal shipments on Roll-on Roll-off vessels
Publicity
A leaflet and poster publicising Regulation 1/2005 have been produced:
Advice for transporting different species
Booklets giving advice on the transportation of different species of animals have been produced, and can be found on the Defra website at the following link:
Contact Details
If you need more information, please contact Animal Identification, Legislation and Welfare Policy Branch