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Transport of Animals Date Change
FMD Measures Package: Training and Competence Certification
New rules on the welfare of animals during transport came into force on 5 January 2007. This is Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. The Regulation is implemented in the UK by means of national legislation. The Regulation aims to improve animal welfare by raising transportation standards and applies to the transport of all live vertebrate animals in connection with economic activity.
The Regulation requires that by 5 January 2008, those handling and transporting farm livestock, poultry and horses by road on journeys of over 65km (approximately 40 miles) must have been trained in the Regulation's technical provisions and be independently assessed for competence. To date, we have bodies set up in the UK to carry out this training/competence testing requirement and a number of transporters have already undergone training and been awarded competence certificates. However, we are aware that a number of transporters still need to gain their competence certificate.
We are aware that Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue have effectively prevented livestock farmers and hauliers from devoting time to achieving the certificate of competence. As part of the package of aid measures recently announced by Hilary Benn, it has been agreed with UK enforcement authorities that no sanctions will be taken against transporters not in possession of competence certificates until the end of April 2008.
This arrangement applies only to domestic journeys within the UK. To avoid any possibility of enforcement action whilst abroad, exporters of farm livestock, horses and poultry must obtain competence certificates before 5 January 2008.
Further information on the above can be obtained from Rob Peters in the Transport and Markets Team on 020 7904 6974 (GTN 3290) or by email: rob.peters@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Transport and Markets Team
October 2007