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LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT

Version 5.0 (streamlined)

Click to view all LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT

DR.LT.1 Key

Standards

Vehicles used maintain the health and welfare of livestock being transported. (Revised)

How you will be measured

DR.LT.1.a

Headroom that allows livestock to stand in a natural position.

DR.LT.1.b

Non-slip flooring.

DR.LT.1.c

Flooring that prevents the leakage of faeces and urine (as far as practicable).

DR.LT.1.d

No sharp edges, projections or other hazards which may cause injury.

DR.LT.1.e

Adequate ventilation.

DR.LT.1.f

Partitions are appropriately designed, constructed and positioned.

DR.LT.1.g

For journeys over 8 hours, partitions are provided. For journeys less than 8 hours, partitions are provided as necessary to allow segregation of stock and prevent individuals or small groups of animals from injury.

DR.LT.1.h

The vehicle is secure with side gates to prevent livestock escaping during loading/unloading and whilst on-board.

DR.LT.1.i

Loading ramps have foot batons to reduce risk of slipping.

DR.LT.1.j

The internal and external ramp angles do not exceed 26.6˚ for adult cattle and sheep or 20˚for calves.

DR.LT.1.k

Vehicles fitted with roof to protect from weather.

DR.LT.1.m

Lighting (fixed or portable, i.e. torch) is available for inspection of livestock.

DR.LT.2

Standards

Where bedding is used it must be clean, safe and suitable.

How you will be measured

DR.LT.2.a

Calves and lambs are provided with straw during transport

DR.LT.3

Standards

Legally required stocking densities must be followed in order to minimise stress and risk of injury.

How you will be measured

DR.LT.3.a

Adjustments made when required to allow for current weather conditions, type of vehicle and size and category of livestock.

DR.LT.3.b

Not tightly or loosely stocked.

DR.LT.3.d

Different species not carried in the same compartment.

DR.LT.4 Key

Standards

Livestock transported off the farm must be fit for the intended journey

How you will be measured

DR.LT.4.a

Livestock are able to bear weight on all four legs and walk onto the vehicle unaided.

DR.LT.4.b

The following livestock are not transported: - sick or injured livestock where moving them would cause additional suffering - shorn sheep (with less than 7mm of staple growth) during extremely cold weather - heavily pregnant females (where more than 90% of the gestation period has passed) unless being transported for veterinary treatment - females who have given birth during the last 7 days - newborns with unhealed navels

DR.LT.4.c

Restrictions on youngstock are adhered to as outlined below: Calves less than 10 days: Not transported more than 100km unless accompanied by their dam. Calves 11-14 days: Not transported more than 8 hours unless accompanied by their dam. Lambs of less than 7 days: Not transported more than 100km unless accompanied by their dam.

DR.LT.5

Standards

Livestock transported by a trained and competent person

How you will be measured

DR.LT.5.a

Drivers have an understanding of handling and driving livestock to avoid injury, minimise stress and express normal behaviours.

DR.LT.5.b

Drivers hold the relevant Species Specific Certificate of Competence for the journeys they undertake: - for journeys over 65km and less than 8 hours- Species Specific Certificate of Competence for Short Journeys - for journeys over 8 hours Species Specific Certificate of Competence for Long Journeys

Species Specific Certificate of Competence

DR.LT.6

Standards

Emergency plans and facilities must be in place

How you will be measured

DR.LT.6.a

Driver equipped with a mobile phone and emergency contact numbers.

DR.LT.6.b

In the case of long journeys (over 8 hours) a written contingency plan is available.

Contingency plan

DR.LT.7

Standards

A valid transporter authorisation is held for the journeys undertaken
- a short journey (Type 1) authorisation for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours
- a long journey (Type 2) authorisation for journeys over 8 hours

Transporter authorisation

DR.LT.8

Standards

Vehicles and trailers used for journeys in excess of 8 hours must be approved by the relevant competent authority

Vehicle approval certificate

DR.LT.9 Key

Standards

Vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected using DEFRA approved disinfectants

How you will be measured

DR.LT.9.a

Cleaned and disinfected after every load and within 24 hours of delivery unless vehicles are used to make repeat journeys between the same two points in a single day.
  • LT.4.b – It is permitted for a farmer or a haulier if appointed to transport heavily pregnant females (past 90% gestation) short distances under 50km e.g. between or within farm premises if the journey is for the purposes of improving conditions of birth.
  • LT.4 – Animals that are slightly ill or injured may only be transported under very limited circumstances including transport within keepership, only if it does not cause any unnecessary suffering.
  • Government guidance on animal welfare during transport: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare#animal-welfare-during-transport
  • DEFRA approved disinfectants: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defra-approved-disinfectant-when-and-how-to-use-it
  • DAERA approved disinfectants: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/approved-disinfectants