Council Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations came into effect in January 2007. It lays down the requirements and conditions for the transport of live vertebrate animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, poultry and horses, undertaken in connection with an economic activity, and the related operations of handling, loading and unloading. The main measures taken by my Department to ensure compliance with Regulation are set down below.
Transporters are authorised in accordance with and made aware of the requirements set down in Regulation 1/2005.
Trucks are approved in accordance with the requirements set down in Regulation 1/2005.
Drivers involved in the transport of live animals have a certificate of competence and have undergone a training course carried out to standards set by my Department.
Journey Logs in respect of cattle must be submitted for approval to an Official Veterinarian by the organiser of the transport in advance of any proposed long journey.
My Department deploys a considerable amount of resources to the process of certifying animals for export.