Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997

Feeding and watering, travelling times and rest periods

8.—(1) A person shall not transport animals unless, at an appropriate time before the journey begins, and as appropriate to the species, the animals are accommodated in a place which is not a means of transport, offered water and food and, if necessary, cared for.

(2) In the case of horses (except registered horses within the meaning of Council Directive 90/426/EEC on animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae(1)), cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, the transporter shall ensure that they are rested, and offered water and food during a journey at least in accordance with Schedule 7.

(3) In the case of poultry and domestic birds and domestic rabbits, the transporter shall ensure that during a journey suitable food and water is available, in suitable quantities and at suitable intervals, save in the case of—

(a) a journey lasting less than 12 hours, disregarding loading and unloading times; or

(b) a journey lasting less than 24 hours for chicks of all species, provided that it is completed within 72 hours after hatching.

(4) In the case of domestic dogs and domestic cats, the transporter shall ensure that during a journey they are fed at intervals of not more than 24 hours and given water at intervals of not more than 12 hours and that clear written instructions about feeding and watering accompany the animals.

(5) In the case of other mammals and birds, the transporter shall ensure that they are suitably fed and watered, at appropriate intervals during a journey, and that clear written instructions about feeding and watering and any special care required accompany the animals and that these instructions are complied with.

(6) Nothing in this Article or Schedule 7 shall require the unloading of any animal which normally lives on its means of transport.

(7) In this Article, in relation to the transport of registered equidae, it shall be for the transporter to prove that the animals being transported are registered in accordance with Council Directive 90/426/EEC.

(8) The provisions of this Article and of Schedule 7 shall not apply to animals or poultry which are being transported by air.

(1)

O.J. No. L224, 18.8.90, p. 42 to which there are amendments not relevant to this Order