Welfare of Equids: Guidance

Transport

Transportation is a stressful activity for most equids. It is important that time and care is taken to appropriately train an equid to loading and travel to limit stress and reduce the risk of injury or disease. All equids must be fit to be transported, and every effort must be undertaken to ensure they remain fit throughout the journey. Various external factors will have an impact on how an individual copes with and recovers from a journey.

Commercial transportation of equids is subject to the legal requirements set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 (the “Regulations”). Article 3 of the Regulations requires that animals are transported in a way that is not likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them, along with the following general conditions:

(a) arrangements are made to minimise the length of the journey and meet the animal’s needs during it,

(b) the animal is fit for the journey,

(c) the method of transport has been chosen so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the animal’s safety,

(d) loading and unloading facilities avoid injury and suffering and ensure the animal’s safety,

(e) the persons handling the animal is trained or competent to do so,

(f) the transport is carried out without delay and the animal’s welfare condition is regularly checked and maintained,

(g) the animal has sufficient floor area and height, and

(h) water, feed and rest are offered to the animal at suitable intervals and are appropriate in quality.

Annex 1 of the Regulations contain the technical rules applicable to the transportation of animals.

The Scottish Government has produced guidance on commercial animal transport:

Main requirements - Commercial animal transport: guidance - gov.scot.

The transportation of equids should always prioritise safety, welfare and be compliant with legal requirements. Journeys should aim to be as safe and as calm as possible, with careful attention to preparation, the fitness and safety of the equid and vehicle standards.

Good practice:

• Equids should not be transported unless they are fit for the intended journey - unless travelling to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
• Equids should only be transported in conditions that prevent injury and unnecessary suffering.
• An equid should not be transported if:
  • they are unable to move independently without pain or walk unassisted,
  • they have a severe, open wound or prolapse,
  • they are a pregnant female that has completed 90% or more of the expected gestation or has given birth in the previous week (does not apply to registered equids travelling under specific welfare conditions with a dedicated attendant),
  • they are a newborn whose navel has not completely healed (does not apply to registered equids travelling under specific welfare conditions with a dedicated attendant).
• Owners, keepers and drivers should aim to keep journeys as short as possible.
• Vehicles should be designed, maintained, and operated to ensure equid welfare is not compromised.
• Equids should have adequate floor space and height with a compartment height at least 75cm higher than the tallest animal's withers.
• If transported on multi-deck vehicles, equids should be on the lowest deck.
• Equids older than 8 months should wear halters during transport unless they are unhandled.
• When transported on roll-on/roll-off vessels, equids should be in individual stalls, except for mares with foals who may share a stall with each other.
• Unhandled equids should not travel for longer than 8 hours and no more than four equids should be transported in a single compartment together.
• Equids must be accompanied by their passport or, in certain circumstances, their ScotEquine card.

Transport authorisations and certificates

• Anyone transporting animals in connection with an economic activity must be authorised by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
  • Type 1 Authorisation and Certificate of Competence are required for journeys over 65 km and up to 8 hours.
  • Type 2 Authorisation and corresponding certificates are needed for journeys over 8 hours.
• Vehicles used for journeys over 12 hours (within Great Britain) or over 8 hours (international) must have a Certificate of Vehicle Approval.
• Exemptions apply where transport is non-commercial or for direct veterinary care, but the requirements of the 2006 Act still apply.

Vehicle selection and safety

Good practice:

• Vehicles must be roadworthy, appropriately serviced and have an MOT certificate according to their weight class.
• Vehicles must be designed to carry equids, be capable of transporting the specific equids to be transported and have adequate ventilation/airflow.
• Vehicles must not exceed their maximum payload.
• Drivers should know the vehicle’s payload - visit a local weighbridge if unsure. Plan for the combined weight of equid, tack, equipment, passengers, and pets.
• Owners and keepers should inspect the vehicle before loading.
• During hot weather, only vehicles capable of maintaining appropriate internal climatic conditions should be used.

Link to relevant guidance: Extreme hot weather guidance for transporters and organisers of live animal transport by road.pdf.

Using commercial transporters

Good practice:

• Owners and keepers should check the transporter’s experience, insurance (including level of cover) and accreditations – ensure all equids being transported are also insured in case of accident or injury.
• Owners and keepers should ask questions and check the transporter’s compliance with legal requirements, including certificates of competence for journey durations.

Link to relevant guidance: Main requirements - Commercial animal transport: guidance - gov.scot.

Journey planning

Good practice:

• Drivers should ensure horseboxes/trailers and towing vehicles are taxed, insured, and covered for breakdown that includes the transport of live animals.
• Drivers should have contingency plans in case of breakdown or incident on route – including the location of veterinary hospitals for emergencies.
• Drivers should ensure the vehicle has sufficient water and forage on board to allow equids to be fed and watered during rest stops.
• Drivers should check the weather forecasts relevant to the entire route and, during warm weather, plan to travel during cooler periods of the day.
• Equids should not travel in hot weather unless the vehicle can maintain a comfortable temperature within the equid compartment of a vehicle – this cannot be achieved without a forced ventilation system.
• Drivers should plan routes, being aware of weight limits, low bridges and likely high traffic/congestion areas, and identify safe stopping/rest points on the journey. Identify alternative routes that could be used if necessary.
• Drivers should have access to a charged mobile phone and inform someone of their journey plans and estimated time of arrival.

Preparing for transport

Good practice:

• Equids should have access to adequate forage and to an unrestricted and constant supply of clean drinking water for at least 6 hours before the start of the journey.
• Owners and keepers should assess fitness to travel and only load and transport equids that are fit to do so. Fitness to travel includes:
  • Physical health including hydration, weight and any injuries.
  • Mental and emotional state: stress, previous transport experiences and loading behaviour.

Enhanced management measures:

• Many equids travel better in company so consider whether this is an option for a less experienced equid or, if an equid must travel alone, ensure that the equid has been suitably prepared for this well in advance through gradual exposure to the vehicle and loading training.

Loading

Good practice:

• Equids should be trained to calmly load and stand on the vehicle.
• Owners and keepers should allow plenty of time for an equid to load and settle on the vehicle.
• Equids should not be forced and/or frightened in an attempt to load them on to a vehicle.
• Ensure the loading area is safe and free from hazards.

During the journey

Good practice:

• Drivers should keep journeys as short as possible - not exceeding 12 hours on a single journey.
• Ideally, drivers should use a camera to monitor equids throughout the journey.
• Equids should be given as much space as possible – aim for a minimum of 20 cm of additional space between the equid and the side of the vehicle on each side, and 30 cm of space between the equid and the breast bar.
• Equids should be tied in a way that allows them to lower their head during transportation.
• Equids should be provided with short mid-journey rests every four hours, providing access to water and forage whilst on the vehicle, for at least 45 mins during these mid-journey rest stops.
• Drivers should be competent and understand the impact that their driving style will have on the animals being transported. Drivers should aim to provide a smooth and comfortable experience for the equids, avoiding harsh breaking or acceleration.

After the journey

Good practice:

• Equids should be provided with unrestricted access to water and forage on arrival.
• Equids should be turned out into a safe area to allow them space to move freely and rest.