Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992

Other animals

23.  In the case of animals other than domestic solipeds, bovines, ovines, caprines, porcines, poultry (as defined in article 4(4)), rabbits, dogs and cats—

(a) when transported by road, tying facilities shall be provided in vehicles which are used in the transport of such animals which are normally required to be tied. Partitions, if supplied, shall be of rigid construction;

(b) suitable equipment for loading and unloading of such mammals and birds (such as bridges, ramps or gangways) shall be used. The flooring of this equipment shall be constructed so as to prevent slipping and the equipment shall be provided with lateral protection if necessary. During transport the animal shall not be suspended by mechanical means nor lifted or dragged by the head, horns, legs, tail, wing or feathers;

(c) when transported by sea, all parts of the animal’s accommodation shall be provided with drainage and shall be kept in a sanitary condition;

(d) infants incapable of feeding themselves and which are not accompanied by the mother shall not be transported;

(e) sedation shall be administered only exceptionally and under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon. Written details of such sedation shall accompany the animal to its destination;

(f) where the means of transport or container contains animals which are wild, timid or dangerous, a notice to that effect shall be fixed to it;

(g) written instructions as to feeding and watering and any special care required shall accompany the animals;

(h) such animals shall be held for an appropriate period prior to transport to condition them to the experience. During that period they shall, if necessary, be moved gradually into their container;

(i) birds shall be kept in semi-darkness;

(j) animals of different species shall not be placed in the same container;

(k) animals of the same species shall not be placed in the same container unless they are known to be compatible with each other;

(l) marine mammals shall have a qualified attendant with them at all times;

(m) the containers within which marine mammals are transported shall not be stacked;

(n) such mammals and birds shall not be housed near foodstuffs nor in places to which the general public has access.