You should transport animals in a way, that will not cause the animals injury or undue suffering.
It is important to plan the journey thoroughly and secure that the animals’ needs are taken care of during the journey. The journey should be as short as possible and the animals must be fit for the planned journey.
You should make sure that the means of transport, the loading- and unloading facilities and the way they are used ensure the safety of the animals and does not cause them any suffering.
The personnel handling the animals should be should be adequately trained and must not use any method likely to cause suffering of the animals.
Make sure that there are no delays of the transport and that the animals’ welfare is checked regularly.
Make sure that there is enough space for the animals during the journey and offer the animals feed, water and rest at suitable intervals.
Transport of animals longer than 65 km
Special requirements for these journeys are:
- Transporter authorisation. You can be authorised for short (up to eight hours) and long (over eight hours) journeys. Read more about transport authorisation.
- Approval of means of transport. Your vehicle can be approved for long and short journeys. Read more about approval of means of transport.
- Training in transport of animals. You need a certificate of competence if you transport or handle horses, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. If you transport or handle other species you still need training in animal transport, but you do not need to have a certificate of competence.
- Journey log. A journey log is required if you transport animals longer than eight hours. The animals concerned are cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or horses, not registered in EU-approved breading associations. Read more about journey log.
Read the legislation concerning transport of animals