As an island nation that relies on the transport of cattle by sea, my Department has put in place stringent rules governing the approval of dedicated livestock vessels. The Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Orders, 1996 and 1998 set out the requirements for approval. The arrangements include the submission of voyage plans and journey reports, and the ability to revoke approval in cases of non-compliance.
European Union legislation in respect of animal welfare conditions during transport are laid down in EC No 1/2005 (Protection of Animals During Transport and Related Operations). This Regulation includes a provision expressly requested by officials of my Department, which states in Article 1(3) that “This regulation shall not be an obstacle to any stricter national measures aimed at improving the welfare of animals during transport taking place entirely within the territory of a Member State or during sea transport departing from the territory of a member state”, thereby safeguarding the stringent Irish measures that are in place.
My Department updated the existing Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Orders, 1996 and 1998 requirements with current legislation enacted by SI 356 of 2016 (Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016). These Regulations continue to play a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of animals transported by sea, and are unique by European Union standards.