In 2019 and early 2020 my Department rolled out additional policy measures on animal welfare during transport, which go beyond those laid down in EU rules. These changes impact all livestock transports, but particularly the intracommunity trade in unweaned calves.
These changes include:
Increased minimum space allowances for calves, e.g., 11% extra space for calves of 55kg, over that prescribed in EU rules.
Veterinary Inspectors are instructed not to accept journey logs when forecasted temperatures equal or exceed 30°C en-route at time of transport. Department HQ officials monitor forecasts in Europe in summer and winter months, issuing guidance to Regional Veterinary Offices and industry up to three times weekly.
All use of sticks on calves is banned in assembly centres.
Policy of not approving transport of very small calves below 40kg bodyweight on long journeys.
The re-training period for drivers to retain their certificate of competence has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years. Driver behaviour is a major influence on animal welfare during transport.
In 2019 a booking system for unweaned calves was introduced to avoid overcrowding control posts in Cherbourg.
Unannounced accompaniment of calf consignments to Cherbourg by official veterinarians occurs during the peak transport season (Spring) to monitor the welfare of Irish calves during transport.
In addition, all vehicles transporting livestock to Europe are required by EU law to be fitted with working satellite navigation systems and temperature recorders, and these can be used to trace the progress of the animals during retrospective checks, carried out after the journey, on a risk basis, by regional veterinary offices.
