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 (EU 1/2005) which is directly applicable in Northern Ireland (NI) under the Windsor Framework. It established a system throughout the EU to protect animal welfare during transport. The Regulation was implemented in NI by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006, as amended. Under these Regulations, commercial transporters based in NI must be authorised by DAERA if they wish to transport animals on any journey over 65km.
Relevant Legislation
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations | legislation.gov.uk
- The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as amended | legislation.gov.uk
Who Does This Affect?
EU 1/2005 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.
The Regulation does not define 'economic activity' but DAERA takes the view that transport in connection with an economic activity consists of:
Any transport of animals undertaken as part of a business or commercial activity, which aims at achieving financial gain, whether direct or indirect, for any person or company involved in transport.
Such transport would most likely include journeys undertaken by:
- commercial hauliers
- farmers
- anyone transporting pet animals, where the movements are related to an economic activity (i.e. a business) for example, commercial pet breeders, rescue or rehoming organisations, dog racing, those taking part in filming e.g. advertisements which involve financial gain
- pet couriers; including where pet animals are accompanied by their owner if the person responsible for the transport has been paid
- professional horse riders / jockeys, including those sponsored to compete
- transporters where animals are transported to be sold as part of a business
- zoos and leisure parks
- anyone transporting laboratory animals (but fitness to travel provisions do not apply when the animals are taking part in an authorised research project) in all circumstances
Under the Paws for Thought Project, at the time of movement from NI to GB, every puppy transported to GB will also be considered a commercial movement under the Welfare in Transport Regulations (including single pups or pups travelling as a litter with the mother). The onus will be on the transporter to provide sufficient evidence to the Inspector if this determination is disputed.
Further information regarding the Paws for Thought Project can be found at the link below.
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. This will include:
- pet animals that are transported by their owner on a private journey
- pet animals, e.g. dogs and cats, taken to or from a specialist show or competition and the primary purpose is for pleasure rather than part of a business
- horses and ponies transported by their owner for the purpose of riding, showing or competing for pleasure; however, professional riders (e.g. FEI riders) and their animals competing at races, professional eventing or shows to offer animals for sale will fall within the scope of the Regulations
- individuals attending shows or competitions primarily for pleasure who share the burden of transport, e.g. petrol costs, but there is no profit made by the individual undertaking the transport
- transporting animals directly to, or from, a veterinary practice or clinic, under the advice of a vet
- journeys undertaken by the armed forces or public services during the course of their official duties
However, it is an offence under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006 (WATR 2006) to transport any animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal.
EU Exit - Implications for Transporters
The European Commission has stated that all UK transporter authorisations, certificates of competence and vehicle approvals, including those issued by DAERA, will no longer be valid for transporting animals from Northern Ireland to EU member states, including the Republic of Ireland. Transporters wishing to move live animals from Northern Ireland to the EU will need to be represented in an EU member state and apply to the relevant Government organisation there to obtain a valid:
- Transporter Authorisation
- Certificate of Competence
- Vehicle Approval Certificate
Further information can be found at Frequently Asked Questions.
Single Animal Exemption
The Single Animal Exemption (SAE) permitted an individual animal to be transported with its owner / keeper (up to a maximum of 4 people and 4 animals in a single vehicle) without the need to have the mandatory transporter authorisation as required under EU 1/2005.
From 1st October 2025, the SAE will be revoked. Anyone moving a single animal over 65km, in connection with an economic activity from this date will no longer be able to rely on this exemption and will fall fully within the scope of EU 1/2005. They will be required to have all the necessary transport approvals in place to transport the animal. This will include a transporter authorisation, a certificate of competence relevant to the species they are transporting and depending on the length of journey, they may also require an approved vehicle.
Transporter Authorisation
If you transport animals in connection with an economic activity for distances over 65km (approx 40 miles) you will need a valid transporter authorisation. The application forms and guidance notes dependent on the length of journey can be found below. A list of all DAERA approved WIT2 (long journey) Transporters is also listed below.
- Authorisation Application Form for Journeys Over 65km and up to 8 Hs
- Authorisation Application Form for All Journeys over 8 Hours
- List of WIT2 (Long Journey) approved transporters authorised by DAERA under EU 1/2005
A copy of the authorisation must be carried when transporting animals and made available on request.
Certificate of Competence
You must have a certificate of competence if you transport animals over 65 km by road and you are transporting:
- cattle, sheep, pigs or goats
- horses or other equines
- poultry
If an attendant is travelling with you, they must also have a certificate of competence. An attendant is someone directly in charge of the welfare of the animals during a journey.
Your certificate of competence will be specific to:
- your role as a transporter or attendant
- the length of the journeys you take
- the species you transport
A copy of the certificate must be carried when transporting animals and made available on request.
Details of how to gain a certificate of competence 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 at this link.
Vehicle Approval
You must have a certificate of vehicle approval for journeys longer than 8 hours if you are transporting:
- cattle
- sheep
- pigs
- goats
- horses and other equines
You must also have a certificate of vehicle approval if you are transporting poultry or any other species not listed above for longer than:
- 12 hours within the UK
- 8 hours in any country outside the UK
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.
Livestock Control Posts in NI
A list of NI approved Control Posts where animals can rest for at least 12 hours during compulsory breaks in long distance journeys is included at the link below.
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