How to transport animals?
To protect livestock during transit, a number of legal regulations have been created on the manner, distance and duration of travel, and animal species. Farmers are legally responsible for the conditions under which animals are transported. They must ensure that transport does not cause injury or unnecessary suffering.
Legal requirements and transport distance of animals.
Animal transport up to 65 km
If you transport animals over a distance of less than 65 kilometers (about 40 miles), the vehicle does not need to be authorized and the driver does not need to have a certificate of competence. However, ATC is required and drivers must receive appropriate training.
Journeys over 65 kilometres and under eight hours
If your you need to transport livestock further than 65 kilometres where total journey times are less than eight hours, your carrier must hold:
- a valid transporter authorisation for short journeys
- valid certificates of competence for drivers and handlers
Journeys total over eight hours
If you are going to transport livestock for journeys totalling more than eight hours, your carrier need to hold:
- valid transporter authorisation for long journeys
- valid certificates of competence for drivers and handlers
- valid vehicle/container approval certificates