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Transport Regulations

 

WELFARE OF ANIMALS DURING TRANSPORT ORDER 1994

(This order does not apply to the transport of pet animals (including privately owned horses and ponies used for recreational purposes) unless in the course of a trade of business.)

  • A horse shall not be transported if it is unfit by reason of it being new-born, diseased, infirm, ill, injured or fatigued or having given birth within the preceding 48 hours or being likely to give birth during transport or for any other reason unless it is to be transported directly to the nearest available place for veterinary treatment.
  • A horse may not be lifted by a mechanical device unless this is done in the presence of and under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon who is arranging for it to be transported with all practical speed to a place for veterinary treatment.
  • Horses shall not be transported in a manner which causes or is likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the horse:-

(i)

by reason of inadequately constructed or insecure fittings in that part of the vehicle in which the horse is to be carried

(ii)

from an inadequate supply of fresh air, whether the vehicle is stationary or moving

(iii)

from exposure to undue fluctuations in temperature, humidity or air pressure, or from undue exposure to noise or vibration

Protective boots, bandages, poll and tail guards, rugs and sheets may be useful to protect those areas of the horse that are most likely to suffer bruising or rubbing during the motion of transport or, in the case of rugs and sheets, to keep the horse warm or prevent chilling due to sweating.

All clothing must fit correctly, be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended and be securely fastened to prevent slipping or risk of injury.

  • Except in the case of unbroken foals or where horses are transported in boxes, halters should be worn during the journey; they should be of a suitable material and fitted in such a way as not to cause injuries to the animal.
  • If animals are tied, this should be done using a ‘quick-release’ knot to eliminate any danger of strangulation or injury. Additional ropes should be kept in reserve.
  • Horses shall not be transported in vehicles with more than one deck.
  • Stallions shall not be transported in the same vehicle unless they are used to each other or are effectively separated from one another.
  • It shall be the duty of any person in charge of a horse which is being transported, to ensure that it has been provided with water and appropriate food at an appropriate time before the start of the journey, and at suitable intervals during the journey, it is provided with water, food and rest. The interval between the occasions when rest, food and water are provided shall not exceed 15 hours. If the journey is likely to exceed 15 hours, a journey plan must be submitted to your local Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food before the journey commences.
  • Transport Certificates

The person in charge of a transport undertaking must ensure that the Animal Transport Certificate (click to view an example) containing ALL of the following information accompanies the load:- 

  • name and full address of the owner of the animals
  • number and species of animals carried
  • place of departure, where animals loaded and full address
  • date and time of loading first animal
  • full address of destination including post code

- name, address, telephone number of Transporter

  • Registered Number of vehicle
  • name of person in charge during journey
  • name and signature of person in charge of transport undertaking
  • date and time of arrival at final destination
    (to be provided after the journey is completed)

The certificate must travel with the animals and be kept for 6 months after the journey is completed.

 

EXEMPTIONS

You do not need a Transport Certificate if:

  • the journey is less than 30 miles

AND
  • it is to and from agricultural land

AND
  • the vehicle is owned by the occupier of the land

AND
  • the vehicle’s internal length available for the carriage of animals is less than 10ft 2ins (3.1 metres)

 

For journeys of more than 15 hours:

In the case of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses, the person in charge of a transport undertaking must draw up a Journey Plan in the form required by the Minister. Journey Plan forms are available from the local MAFF Divisional Veterinary Office.

This is a guide as to whether you require Transport Records.

ANIMAL TRANSPORT RECORDS (Do I have to keep Records as required by the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994 (as amended) if I transport animals?)