New animal transport rules proposed

By Eric Donald

More stringent rules covering animal movements have been proposed by the European Commission. This new directive is expected to be approved by the European commissioners by mid July.

It will introduce a maximum journey time of 9 hours for livestock being transported, similar to the driving regime for long distance drivers. If the journey is longer than 9 hours, then the animals must be rested for 11 hours before the journey can be completed.

From an Irish perspective the time spent on the ferry is not counted, so the clock starts ticking from the time the truck lands on French or UK soil. The same maximum journey time will apply for movements within a country.

The staging posts, which were introduced in the mid nineties to divide up journeys and allow animals to rest, are to be abolished.

A detailed journey log must be produced when animals are to be transported for longer than 9 hours. This will involve all those involved in the transport signing off on their input. Most importantly, it will involve a report of the condition of the livestock when they arrive, and the number of animals that died during the journey. The new rules will mean that animals must have permanent access to water during the journey and have space to lie down.

This second provision will mean lower stocking densities on trucks which will ultimately lead to a higher transport cost per animal. In effect, pigs being transported will require 40% more space, cattle 16% and sheep 32% more room.

There will be a ban on moving young animals over a distance greater than 50 kilometres. This applies to calves less than 2 weeks of age, pigs less than 4 weeks, lambs less than a week old and foals younger than 4 months. There will also be restrictions for pregnant animals and females that have recently given birth.

Those livestock trucks that are used for journeys of longer than 9 hours will have to be authorised, which will be valid for a five year period. The transporters must also be authorised and this must be carried in the truck.

Proper approved training for all those handling livestock will become compulsory. It will be the responsibility of the "Keeper" that animal welfare rules are implemented.