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Animal transportation rules reminder

Thursday, 5 July 2007

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is reminding everyone transporting animals over 65km, as part of their business, must receive authorisation from the department.

These rules apply to people transporting vertebrate animals only and include farmers and everyone else transporting animals for any business purpose, such as commercial pet breeders.

However, farmers moving their own animals for distances of less than 65km from their holdings, and people transporting pets (including taking pets on holiday), hobby animals, or individuals who transport their own horses, are not affected by this requirement, and do not need authorisation.

For short journeys (over 65km and up to eight hours), transporters are required to complete an application form. Copies of the application form and guidance notes, including further details of the requirements, are available on the DARD website at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-welfare.htm or from Local Divisional Veterinary Offices (DVOs).

Completed forms should be returned to local DVOs.

Additional conditions are required for those who undertake long journeys (over 8 hours). These are also available from the DARD website (as above) or from Animal Health and Welfare Branch, Room 728 Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB.

Transporter authorisations are valid for five years and are free.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Transporters should note that for short journeys (over 65km and up to eight hours), they must complete an application form whereby they confirm that they do not hold an authorisation in any other Member State and that they have the appropriate equipment and staff in place to transport animals in compliance with the new rules.
  2. Contact details for the Divisional Veterinary Offices can be obtained through the DARD Helpline, tel: 028 9052 4999.
  3. EU Regulation 1/2005 on the Welfare of Animals During Transport came into force across Member States on 5 January 2007.
  4. The Regulation applies to the transport of all live vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity. A summary of the Regulation is available on the EU website at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/animal/welfare/transport/index_en.htm
  5. The Regulation itself can be viewed at: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2005/l_003/l_00320050105en00010044.pdf (on Europa website).
  6. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.