Extracts taken from the New DEFRA Rules for Transporting Horses which apply from 5th January 2007.

The following applies to anyone who does not transport horses as part of a business or commercial activity.

They apply to Journeys where :-

- Transportation is to or from veterinary practices or clinics under veterinary advice.

- The animal is an individual animal, accompanied by its owner or other responsible person

- Transport is by hobby breeders.

- The animals are accompanied by their owner on a journey.

- Farmers are transporting their own animals, in their own vehicles, under 50km. (approx. 40 Miles)

Owners should ensure that :

• The journey is properly planned and time is kept to a minimum. The animals are checked and their needs met during the journey.

• The animals are fit to travel.

• The vehicle and loading and unloading facilities are designed, constructed and maintained to avoid injury and suffering.

• Those handling animals are trained and competent and do not use violence or any methods likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering.

• Water, feed and rest are given to the animals as needed, and sufficient floor space and height is allowed.

Road Vehicle and Trailer Specifications for Domestic Horses and Ponies.

All vehicles and trailers shall :

• Transport an animal in a way not likely to cause injury or undue suffering.

• Be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering.

• Ensure safety of animals.

• Allow Access for inspection and care.

• Protect from adverse changes in climatic conditions.

• Provide anti-slip floor surface.

• Maintain appropriate air quality and ventilation.

• Provide adequate space allowance per animal carried. (see DEFRA website for details)

• Provide partitions which are strong enough to withstand weight of animals, with fittings designed for quick and easy operation.

• Be fitted with sufficient and adequate securing points.

• Provide Ramp angles (vehicles built after January 2007) no steeper than 20° which is equivalent to a vertical rise of 4 in 11.

• Provide Ramp angles (vehicles built before January 2007) no steeper than 29°. This is equivalent to a vertical rise of 4 in 7.

• Provide Ramp side gates to prevent escape.

• Provide lighting for inspection and care during transport.

• Equidae older than 8 months, except unbroken horses, shall wear halters during transport.

• Have appropriate bedding or equivalent material to guarantee comfort and ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.

• Provide a notice which indicates clearly and visibly “Live Animals”.

• Not have more than 4 animals in a group if they are unbroken.

DEFRA have specified additional requirements for Journeys of MORE than 8 hours. Please see DEFRA Website for details.

ENFORCEMENT

Primary responsibility rests with Local Authorities. They will carry out welfare checks on animals and means of transport and take appropriate action up to and including prosecution. These checks will also include documentary checks and are often carried out alongside compliance checks.

Website : www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport.htm

Extracted by Pat Dyke (20/02/2007)