Trading standards Transportation of livestock

With regard to transportation, the following applies to the transport of live animals.

There is an exemption from most of the transportation rules where journeys are short. The exemption is as follows:

Where you carry out transport of your own animals, in your own means of transport for a distance of less than 50km (approximately 30 miles) from your holding, then only the following general conditions for transport apply, but if any of these 'exemption conditions' are not met (the journey is greater than 50km, you transport another owner's animals, or you use someone else's vehicle), then further conditions will apply.

For further information please contact Defra.

General conditions for the transport of animals

No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them.

In addition, the following conditions shall be complied with:

1. All necessary arrangements have been made in advance to minimise the length of the journey and meet animals' needs during the journey
   
2. The animals are fit for the journey
   
3. The means of transport are designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals
   
4. The loading and unloading facilities are adequately designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals
   
5. The personnel handling animals are trained or competent as appropriate for this purpose and carry out their tasks without using violence or any method likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering
   
6. The transport is carried out without delay to the place of destination and the welfare conditions of the animals are regularly checked and appropriately maintained
   
7. Sufficient floor area and height is provided for the animals, appropriate to their size and the intended journey
   
8. Water, feed and rest are offered to the animals at suitable intervals and are appropriate in quality and quantity to their species and size
   

Finally, if you transport animals for a distance greater than 65km, you will need to apply for a transporter authorisation and obtain a certificate of competence from Defra.

There are other provisions for long journeys, (exceeding 8 hours) but you can seek further advice from Defra about these should you be likely to undertake long journeys or export.

View transport and export guidance on the GOV.UK website.

Contact us

animalhealth@shropshire.gov.uk
0345 678 9000