16 Jan 2008 - Welfare of animals during transport (DEFRA)
New EU rules for transporting animals came into force last January.
The rules are aimed at improving the welfare of animals during transport and include particular requirements for anyone moving live vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity i.e. as part of a business or trade.
One of these requirements is for those transporting farm livestock, horses or poultry by road on journeys over 65km to have undertaken a competence assessment and hold a competence certificate by 5 January 2008.
However, we are aware that the onset of Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue has prevented many transporters from devoting time to getting a certificate of competence. It has therefore been agreed that for domestic journeys only there will be no enforcement of this requirement until the end of April 2008. Exporters must have competence certificates to travel outside the
Assessments for competence are carried out by independent bodies designated by Defra. Competence certificates can only be awarded by these accredited organisations.
Further information on this and other requirements of the new rules can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/eu-transportreg.htm
Or from:
Animal Health's Welfare in Transport Helpline
Tel: 0845 603 8395
E-mail: wit@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Defra's Transport and Markets Team
Tel: 020 7904 6576
E-mail: aw-transport@defra.gsi.gov.uk