ARCHIVE: Animal welfare: Transport - Legislation

Legislation

Welfare of Animals (Transport) England Order 2006

EU Legislation

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 (PDF 60 KB)

Council Regulation 1255/97(PDF 25 KB)

Council Regulation 411/98(PDF 35 KB)

The aim of the above legislation is to ensure a high minimum standard of welfare for all animals while they are transported.

These rules apply

  • to the transport of all animals (except pets and non-commercial transport, animals travelling accompanied) by road, sea, air or rail;
  • from the moment animals are loaded on a vehicle, through to their care during transport, and unloading at their destination.

Enforcement

Local Authorities have the prime responsibility to enforce welfare during transport legislation (WATO). Defra's Animal Health veterinary inspectors also have powers to ensure compliance with the legislation.

Defra also maintains a computer system registered under the Data Protection Act (TRADE (Transporters: Register of Authorisation in a Database Environment). This collects information from Local Authorities, the Animal Health Agency and Animal Welfare Division on infringements and irregularities by transporters (including from the authorities abroad). This information may be used in consideration of any proposals to suspend or revoke transporter authorisations.

Page last modified: September 3, 2009