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

Article 4(4)

SCHEDULE 3

Part I Additional requirements for the construction and maintenance of means of transport and receptacles for poultry and domestic birds and domestic rabbits

Ventilation

1.  Means of transport and receptacles shall be constructed, maintained, operated and positioned to provide adequate ventilation and air space.

Special provisions for receptacles

2.  Receptacles in which animals are transported shall be constructed and maintained so that they allow for appropriate inspection and care of the animals.

3.  Receptacles in which animals are carried shall be of such a size to protect the animals from injury or unnecessary suffering during transport.

4.  Receptacles in which poultry and domestic birds are transported shall be constructed and maintained so that they prevent any protrusion of the heads, legs or wings from them.

5.  Poultry and domestic birds shall not be carried in a sack or bag.

Part II Additional requirements for the transport of poultry and domestic birds and domestic rabbits

Lifting of poultry and domestic birds

6.  Poultry and domestic birds shall not be lifted or carried by the head, neck, wing or tail except for—

(a) ducks which may be lifted or carried by the neck; and

(b) geese which may be lifted or carried by the base of both wings.

Tying of poultry and domestic birds

7.  Poultry and domestic birds shall not be tied by the neck, leg or wing.

Segregation of rabbits

8.  Rabbits shall not be carried in the same undivided pen, receptacle, vehicle or rail wagon as an animal of any other species.

Segregation of poultry and domestic birds

9.—(1) Poultry and domestic birds shall be segregated according to species and sex, except that—

(a) female poultry and domestic birds may be transported with their broods;

(b) male and female chicks may be transported together; and

(c) male and female poultry and domestic birds which are familiar with one another may travel together.

(2) Chicks shall be segregated from all other poultry and domestic birds except that they may travel with their mother or other chicks.

(3) Poultry and domestic birds shall not be transported in proximity to any animal which is likely to be hostile to them or the presence of which is likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or distress.