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

Internal ramps and means of lifting

11.—(1) Animals shall be moved from one floor or deck of a vehicle, vessel or receptacle to another, in accordance with this paragraph.

(2) Save as provided in sub-paragraph (4), suitable ramps or mechanical lifting gear shall be used and operated so as to prevent injury or unnecessary suffering to any animal.

(3) Where a ramp or mechanical lifting gear is used it shall be—

(a) provided on each side with protection which is of sufficient strength, length and height to prevent any animal using it from falling or escaping;

(b) provided with suitable foot battens or some other means of affording a proper foothold to an animal which is using it;

(c) positioned so that it will not result in injury or unnecessary suffering to any animal;

(d) of a gradient which is suitable to the age and species of the animals concerned.

(4) It shall be sufficient compliance with sub-paragraph (3)—

(a) where pigs are using the ramp if—

(i) the gradient thereof is not steeper than a ratio of 1 in 2 when the vehicle is on level ground;

(ii) any step at the top or bottom of the ramp does not exceed 13cm in height; and

(iii) any gap between the top of the ramp and the floor to which it gives access does not exceed 3cm in width; and

(b) where animals other than pigs are using the ramp, if the gradient thereof is not steeper than a ratio of 2 in 3 when the vehicle is on level ground.

(5) Manual lifting or carrying may be used if the animal is of a size that can easily be lifted by no more than two persons and the movement is carried out without causing injury or unnecessary suffering to the animal.