These rules apply to the transportation of livestock and unregistered horses (including ponies and donkeys). The purpose of the Journey Log is to ensure that journeys over eight hours to other EU Member States or third countries are properly planned in advance so that maximum journey times are not exceeded and that any rest stops are taken en route.
A Journey Log should be completed for each planned journey, and submitted for approval to the Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO) at the place of departure. The approved Journey Log must accompany the animals to their final destination.
Once the journey is over, and all relevant sections of the Journey Log have been completed, a copy of it must be sent to the DVO where it was approved. This should be done within one month of the completion of the journey. The transporter must retain a copy of the log for at least three years.
Transporters are reminded that they have a statutory obligation to send in a copy of the Journey Log. If completed Journey Logs are not returned to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development within the required time limit, DARD may refuse to approve any applications for Journey Logs submitted by the transporter.
Failure to return Journey Logs may also lead to prosecution.
More information can be downloaded from the DARD website
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Alternatively, transporters can telephone their local DVO for further advice.
Notes to Editors:
- The legislation governing animals during transport is Council Regulation EU 1/2005 and the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended).
- The Council Regulation covers the transport not only of farm animals, but of all vertebrate animals. The requirement for a Journey Log only applies to unregistered Equidae, and domestic animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine species.
- A Journey Log is not required for journeys within the United Kingdom.
- A third country is one which is not a member of the EU.
- Contact Details for DVO can be found at the DARD website.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
