The Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994

Loading and unloading animals

4.—(1) No person shall load any animal into or unload any animal out of a vessel, aircraft or vehicle, or cause or permit such loading or unloading, in a way which causes or is likley to cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the animal.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1) above, it shall be the duty of any person in charge of an animal which is being loaded into, unloaded out of or carried in a vessel, aircraft or vehicle, to ensure that the said animal is not, and is not likely to be, caused injury or unnecessary suffering—

(a) by reason of inadequately constructed or insecure fittings in that part of the vessel, aircraft or vehicle, or in the receptacle, in which the animal is to be or is being carried;

(b) by coming into contact with any fitting or other part of the vessel, aircraft or vehicle which has not been adequately padded or fenced off, or with any other obstruction;

(c) from undue exposure to the action of the weather or the sea;

(d) from an inadequate supply of fresh air, whether the vessel, aircraft or vehicle is stationary or in motion; or

(e) from exposure to undue fluctuations in temperature, humidity or air pressure, or from undue exposure to noise or vibration.