Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005Show full title

CHAPTER II MEANS OF TRANSPORT

1. Provisions for all means of transport

1.1. Means of transport, containers and their fittings shall be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to:

(a)

avoid injury and suffering and to ensure the safety of the animals;

(b)

protect the animals from inclement weather, extreme temperatures and adverse changes in climatic conditions;

(c)

be cleaned and disinfected;

(d)

prevent the animals escaping or falling out and be able to withstand the stresses of movements;

(e)

ensure that air quality and quantity appropriate to the species transported can be maintained;

(f)

provide access to the animals to allow them to be inspected and cared for;

(g)

present a flooring surface that is anti-slip;

(h)

present a flooring surface that minimises the leakage of urine or faeces;

(i)

provide a means of lighting sufficient for inspection and care of the animals during transport.

1.2. Sufficient space shall be provided inside the animals' compartment and at each of its levels to ensure that there is adequate ventilation above the animals when they are in a naturally standing position, without on any account hindering their natural movement.

1.3. For wild animals and for species other than domestic Equidae or domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species where appropriate, the following documents shall accompany the animals:

(a)

a notice indicating that the animals are wild, timid or dangerous;

(b)

written instructions about feeding, watering and any special care required.

1.4. Partitions shall be strong enough to withstand the weight of animals. Fittings shall be designed for quick and easy operation.

1.5. Piglets of less than 10 kgs, lambs of less than 20 kgs, calves of less than six months and foals of less than four months of age shall be provided with appropriate bedding material or equivalent material which guarantees their comfort appropriate to the species, the number of animals being transported, the journey time, and the weather. This material has to ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.

1.6. Without prejudice to Community or national rules on crew and passenger safety, where transport on a vessel, an aircraft or a rail wagon is to last more than three hours, a means of killing suitable for the species shall be available to the attendant or a person on board who has the necessary skill to perform this task humanely and efficiently.

2. Additional provisions for transport by road or rail

2.1. Vehicles in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked indicating the presence of live animals, except when the animals are transported in containers marked in accordance with paragraph 5.1.

2.2. Road vehicles shall carry suitable equipment for loading and unloading.

2.3. When assembling trains and during all other movement of rail wagons every precaution shall be taken to avoid jolting of a rail wagon containing animals.

3. Additional provisions for transport on roll-on-roll-off vessels

3.1. Before loading onto a vessel the master shall verify that when vehicles are loaded:

(a)

on enclosed decks, the vessel is equipped with an appropriate forced ventilation system and it is fitted with an alarm system and an adequate secondary source of power in case of failure;

(b)

on open decks, adequate protection from sea water is provided.

3.2. Road vehicles and rail wagons shall be equipped with a sufficient number of adequately designed, positioned and maintained securing points enabling them to be securely fastened to the vessel. Road vehicles and rail wagons shall be secured to the vessel before the start of the sea journey to prevent them being displaced by the motion of the vessel.

4. Additional provisions for transport by air

4.1. Animals shall be transported in containers, pens or stalls appropriate for the species, which comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals Regulations, in its version referred to in Annex VI.

4.2. Animals shall be transported only in conditions where air quality, temperature and pressure can be maintained within an appropriate range during the entire journey, having regard to the species of animals.

5. Additional provisions for transport in containers

5.1. Containers in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked, indicating the presence of live animals and with a sign indicating the top of the container.

5.2. During transport and handling, containers shall always be kept upright and severe jolts or shaking shall be minimised. Containers shall be secured so as to prevent displacement due to the movement of the means of transport.

5.3. Containers of more that 50 kg shall be equipped with a sufficient number of adequately designed, positioned and maintained securing points enabling them to be securely fastened to the means of transport where they are to be loaded. Containers shall be secured to the means of transport before the start of the journey to prevent displacement due to the motion of the means of transport.