Welfare of animals during transport
The welfare of animals in transport is regulated by 'Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations' which is directly applicable across the European Union (EU). EC 1/2005 is enforced here through 'The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as amended'. This legislation came into operation in Northern Ireland on 7 January 2007 and aims to improve animal welfare through raising transportation standards to ensure the protection of animals during transport.
Relevant legislation
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations
- The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as amended
Who does this affect?
The EU Regulation covers the transport of all live vertebrate animals (excluding humans) within the EU that takes place in connection with an economic activity. The vertebrate family includes all creatures which are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Those involved in economic activity will include, farmers, livestock hauliers, those involved in commercial pet breeding or racing (e.g. dog racing), or those moving animals used in films, zoos and leisure parks.
If transporting horses, please contact the Dungannon DAERA Direct Office for more information as the policy in relation to the transport of horses to shows is under review.
The EU Regulation does not apply to the transport of animals when this is not in connection with an economic activity or to the transport of non-vertebrate animals.
Guidance on the rules
The main guidance on the welfare of animals during transport is a living document that will develop in light of experience implementing the regulation.
The guidance is currently under development.
Transporter authorisation
If you transport animals in connection with an economic activity for distances over 65 km (approx 40 miles) you will need a valid transporter authorisation. The application forms and guidance notes are below depending on the length of journey.
- Authorisation application form for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours
- Authorisation application form for all journeys over 8 hours
- List of WIT2 (Long Journey) approved transporters authorised by DAERA under Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005
Competence certification
All drivers and attendants of animals being transported on journeys of over 65 km are required to have been assessed for competence. For those who travel on short journeys there is a theory test, and for those who travel on long journeys there is an additional practical test. You are required to possess a competence certificate before you apply for transporter authorisation.
Details of how to gain competence certificates can be found in our general guidance on competence training and assessment.
The competence required is specific to the role of the person involved, and frameworks giving details can be found using the following links:
Vehicle approval
The Regulation requires that from 5 January 2007 vehicles used for transporting animals on long journeys (those in excess of 8 hours) must be inspected and approved by the competent authority of a Member State or a body designated by a Member State. To arrange an inspection, use the form below.
Animal Transport Certificate (ATC)
The transportation of animals in connection with an economic activity must be accompanied by documentation providing details of the intended journey. For more information and a template for use, please click on the link below.
If you are transporting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or unregistered domestic equidae on journeys over 8 hours between NI and GB/EU Member States, or between EU Member States and Third Countries (such as GB), a Journey Log instead of an ATC is required.
Journey logs
A journey log is required for journeys of livestock and unregistered horses on long journeys (over 8 hours) to Member States and third countries.
Technical and detailed guidance
Technical and detailed guidance exploring in more depth some of the requirements of the Regulations is also available:
- Fitness for transport guidance notes
- Transporting animals by air
- Shipping farm livestock and horses in containers
- Animal shipments on Roll-on Roll-off vessels