Frequently Asked Questions - Transport of livestock

Animals must be fit for the intended journey and must be transported in such a way that avoids any suffering or infliction of injury.

In the EU, Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations sets out the requirements for the humane transport of livestock, for example to slaughterhouses, for export abroad or when travelling to livestock markets. A proposal to amend this regulation was published in 2023.

In the UK, farmed animals are protected by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Orders(WATO) (2006/07) for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further details may be found at https://www.gov.uk/animal-welfare.

The HSA publications Humane Handling of Livestock,  Transport of Livestock (online guide) and The Road Ahead (DVD package) provide guidance on the humane handling of animals on farm, in markets, during loading and unloading for transport and up to the point of slaughter.

Council regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Orders(WATO) (2006/07) for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland require livestock hauliers to be trained in key areas such as

• fitness for travel
• the means of transport
• use of its facilities
• loading, unloading, and handling
• watering and feeding intervals, journey times and rest periods
• space allowances
• documentation

In the EU and the UK, any person transporting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, or poultry on journeys exceeding 65 km distance in connection with an economic activity must be independently assessed in their competence to do so. For transport of livestock on journeys under 8 hours in duration, hauliers must be assessed through a theoretical test. If journey duration exceeds 8 hours, assessment must incorporate a practical competency test to assess the driver’s ability to handle livestock, drive responsibly and with consideration for the animals’ needs and to handle casualty animals.

To get a transporter authorisation, please contact the relevant national authority. For the UK, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare#transporter-authorisations.