Guidance of transport of lame animals

Re: Guidance of transport of lame animals

Vikki Halliday LLB — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:37:04 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"] would always advise the animal was transported direct to slaughter alone (or in a separate, well bedded compartment). I advise the farmer to complete the self certification form (like the old schedule 18/19) and speak to the abattoir Vet before transport. [/quote]

I'd agree. I used to work as an OVS and after that as a DEFRA VO, so there are some cases of mechanical lameness, or lameness so mild that to transport the animal for slaughter would not cause further suffering, that you could legally transport.

If in doubt, use the actual wording of the legislation.

General provision on the protection of animals during transport

—(1) It is an offence to transport any animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause ,injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal.

In addition, the EU council regs must be adhered to, in particular Article 3;

Article 3

General conditions for the transport of animals

No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them.

In addition, the following conditions shall be complied with:

(a) all necessary arrangements have been made in advance to minimise the length of the journey and meet animals' needs during the journey;

(b) the animals are fit for the journey;

(c) the means of transport are designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;

(d) the loading and unloading facilities are adequately designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;

(e) the personnel handling animals are trained or competent as appropriate for this purpose and carry out their tasks without using violence or any method likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering;

(f) the transport is carried out without delay to the place of destination and the welfare conditions of the animals are regularly checked and appropriately maintained;

(g) sufficient floor area and height is provided for the animals, appropriate to their size and the intended journey;

(h) water, feed and rest are offered to the animals at suitable intervals and are appropriate in quality and quantity to their species and size.

So in short, if the animal has a mildly painful, chronic lesion or a mechanical lameness, so long as precautions are taken to ensure it is fit for the length of journey proposed, and that it should not sustain further injury or suffering, ( i.e. put it in a bedded single compartment to ensure this), it should be considered to be compliant with the Regs.

However some OVS's and VO's have been somewhat strict in interpretation of these regs, and a phonecall to the abattoir to explain that a veterinary surgeon has examined the animal and considers it fit to transport with certain conditions, should pre-empt any problems.

I used to hate farmers turning up with lame animals, just stating, "it's ok, my vet said I could send it!"

Re: Guidance of transport of lame animals

Michael Woodhouse — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:22:07 GMT

It is a very grey area. My personal opinion is that many cattle that have been treated (digit amputations, blocks applied) still have some limp even if the food is not especially painful. If they will bear weight on all four legs and walk freely then a bit of a limp doesn't especially worry me.

I would always advise the animal was transported direct to slaughter alone (or in a separate, well bedded compartment). I advise the farmer to complete the self certification form (like the old schedule 18/19) and speak to the abattoir Vet before transport.

Main reason for speaking to Vet is if beast leaves trailer more lame than it was loaded.

Re: Guidance of transport of lame animals

Alan Tevendale — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:56:11 GMT

[quote user="Hannah Wynne Richards"]

My understanding is that a lame animal may only be transported for treatment, and not for any other reason, for example, sale or slaughter

Wynne

[/quote]

The notes for guidance that BCVA published this week mostly seem to say just that and that is exactly what I have always told my clients, however there is a section saying that under certain circumstances a mildly to moderately lame animal may be taken to the nearest slaughterhouse. To my mind this is a complete condradiction and opens up a whole area of difficulties that many less welfare minded clients will try to exploit.

Re: Guidance of transport of lame animals

Hannah Wynne Richards — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:49:21 GMT

My understanding is that a lame animal may only be transported for treatment, and not for any other reason, for example, sale or slaughter

Wynne