LegalizeS.I. No. 267/2006 - European Communities (Protection of Animals During Transport) Regulations 2006
This is the act as published. Later amendments are not folded into the text below: each one is a separate act in this repository and an entry in this law's history.
2 amending acts · 2007-08-17, S.I. No. 580/2007 - Diseases of Animals (Animal Transport) (Roll-on Roll-off Vessels) Ord…
(1) No person shall cause or permit a domestic soliped, bovine animal, sheep and goat, pig or poultry to be transported in a means of transport unless, for the category or weight of animal set out in the first column of the appropriate Table for the animal, there is provided on the transport for the unimpeded use by the animal a floor area which is not less than the area prescribed opposite that category or weight of animal in the second column of that table.
B. Domestic Soliped
- (2)
- (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of subparagraph (1), during a long journey a foal and young horse shall be provided with sufficient space so as to enable them to lie down.
- (b) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (3), where the transporter or person in charge of the animal considers it necessary, having regard to the weight and size of the soliped in a means of transport, its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time, he or she may in the case of transport by rail or road, vary the figures in the second column of the Tables for such an animal by increasing or decreasing the floor area by ten per cent in the case of an adult horse and pony and by a maximum of twenty per cent in the case of a young horse and foal.
- (3) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the weight and size of the soliped in a means of transport, its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time, he or she may, in the case of transport by road, rail, air or sea, determine the area to be provided for such an animal as he or she sees fit.
Transport by Rail
| Adult horse | 1.75m2 (0.7 × 2.5m) (*) |
| Young horse (6 - 24 months) (for journeys of up to 48 hours) | 1.2m2 (0.6 × 2m) |
| Young horse (6 - 24 months) (for journeys over 48 hours) | 2.4m2 (1.2 × 2m) |
| Pony (under 144cm) | 1m2 (0.6 × 1.8m) |
| Foal (0 - 6 months) | 1.4m2 (1 × 1.4m) |
| (*) The standard useable width of wagon is 2.6 to 2.7 m NB: During long a journey, a foal and a young horse must be able to lie down | (*) The standard useable width of wagon is 2.6 to 2.7 m NB: During long a journey, a foal and a young horse must be able to lie down |
These figures may vary by a maximum of 10% for an adult horse and pony and by a maximum of 20% for a young horse’ and a foal, depending not only on the horses’ weight and size but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by Road
| Adult horse | 1.75m2 (0.7 × 2.5m) |
| Young horse (6 - 24 months) (for journeys of up to 48 hours) | 1.2m2 (0.6 × 2m) |
| Young horse (6 - 24 months) (for journeys over 48 hours) | 2.4m2 (1.2 × 2m) |
| Pony (under 144cm) | 1m2 (0.6 × 1.8m) |
| Foal (0 - 6 months) | 1.4m2 (1 × 1.4m) |
| NB: During a long journey, a foal and a young horse must be able to lie down | NB: During a long journey, a foal and a young horse must be able to lie down |
These figures may vary by a maximum of 10% for an adult horse and pony and by a maximum of 20% for a young horse and a foal, depending not only on the horses’ weight and size but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by Air
Loading density for a horse in relation to surface area
| 0 - 100kg | 0.42 m2 |
| 100 - 200kg | 0.66 m2 |
| 200 - 300kg | 0.87 m2 |
| 300 - 400kg | 1.04 m2 |
| 400 - 500kg | 1.19 m2 |
| 500 - 600kg | 1.34 m2 |
| 600 - 700kg | 1.51 m2 |
| 700 - 800kg | 1.73 m2 |
Transport by Sea
| Live weight in kg | m2/animal |
| 200 - 300 | 0.90 - 1.175 |
| 300 - 400 | 1.175 - 1.45 |
| 400 - 500 | 1.45 - 1.725 |
| 500 - 600 | 1.725 - 2 |
| 600 - 700 | 2 - 2.25 |
C. Bovine Animal
- (4)
- (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of subparagraph (1), a pregnant animal shall be allowed 10 per cent more space than that set down for that weight of animal in the relevant table.
- (b) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (5), the transporter or person in charge of the animal may vary the figure for the transport of a bovine animal by road or rail or in a road vehicle by sea depending not only on the animals' weight and size but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
- (5) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the weight and size of a bovine animal in a means of transport, its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time, he or she may, in the case of transport by rail, sea, air or road, determine the area to be provided for the animal as he or she sees fit.
Transport by Rail
| Category | Approximate weight (in kg) | Area in m2/animal |
| Small calf | 50 | 0.30 to 0.40 |
| Medium sized calf | 110 | 0.40 to 0.70 |
| Heavy calf | 200 | 0.70 to 0.95 |
| Medium sized cattle | 325 | 0.95 to 1.30 |
| Heavy cattle | 550 | 1.30 to 1.60 |
| Very heavy cattle | >700 | >1.60 |
These figures may vary, depending not only on the animals' weight and size but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by road
| Category | Approximate weight (in kg) | Area in m2/animal |
| Small calf | 50 | 0.30 to 0.40 |
| Medium sized calf | 110 | 0.40 to 0.70 |
| Heavy calf | 200 | 0.70 to 0.95 |
| Medium sized cattle | 325 | 0.95 to 1.30 |
| Heavy cattle | 550 | 1.30 to 1.60 |
| Very heavy cattle | >700 | >1.60 |
These figures may vary, depending not only on the animals' weight and size but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by Air
| Category | Approximate weight (in kg) | Area in m2/animal |
| Calf | 50 | 0.23 |
| 70 | 0.28 | |
| Cattle | 300 | 0.84 |
| 500 | 1.27 |
Transport by Sea
| Live weight in kg | m2/animal |
| 200 - 300 | 0.81 - 1.0575 |
| 300 - 400 | 1.0575 - 1.305 |
| 400 - 500 | 1.305 - 1.5525 |
| 500 - 600 | 1.5525 - 1.8 |
| 600 - 700 | 1.8 - 2.025 |
A pregnant animal must be allowed 10% more space.
D. Sheep/Goat
- (6) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (7), the transporter or person in charge of an animal may vary the figures for the transport of a sheep or a goat by road or rail or in a road vehicle by sea depending not only on the animals' breed and size but also on its physical condition and the length of fleece of the animal, as well as the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time. As an indication: for a small lamb an area of under 0.2 m2 per animal may be provided.
- (7) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the breed, weight and size of a sheep or a goat in a means of transport, its physical condition, the length of fleece of the animal, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time, he or she may, in the case of transport by road, rail, sea or air, determine the area to be provided for the animal as he or she sees fit.
Transport by Rail
| Category | Weight (in kg) | Area in m2/animal |
| Shorn sheep | < 55 | 0.20 to 0.30 |
| > 55 | > 0.30 | |
| Unshorn sheep | < 55 | 0.30 to 0.40 |
| > 55 | > 0.40 | |
| Heavily pregnant ewe | < 55 | 0.40 to 0.50 |
| > 55 | > 0.50 | |
| Goat | < 35 | 0.20 to 0.30 |
| 35 to 55 | 0.30 to 0.40 | |
| > 55 | 0.40 to 0.75 | |
| Heavily pregnant goat | < 55 | 0.40 to 0.50 |
| > 55 | > 0.50 |
The surface area indicated above may vary depending on the breed, the size, the physical condition and the length of the fleece of the animal, as well as on the meteorological conditions and the journey time.
Transport by Road
| Category | weight (in kg) | Area in m2/animal |
| Shorn sheep and lambs of 26kg and over | < 55 | 0.20 to 0.30 |
| > 55 | > 0.30 | |
| Unshorn sheep | < 55 | 0.30 to 0.40 |
| > 55 | > 0.40 | |
| Heavily pregnant ewe | < 55 | 0.40 to 0.50 |
| > 55 | > 0.50 | |
| Goat | < 35 | 0.20 to 0.30 |
| 35 to 55 | 0.30 to 0.40 | |
| > 55 | 0.40 to 0.75 | |
| Heavily pregnant ewe | < 55 | 0.40 to 0.50 |
| > 55 | > 0.50 |
The surface area indicated above may vary depending on the breed, size, the physical condition and the length of the fleece of the animal, as well as on the meteorological conditions and the journey time.
Transport by Air
Loading density for a sheep and a goat in relation to surface area
| Average weight in kg | Surface area per sheep/goat (in m2) |
| 25 | 0.2 |
| 50 | 0.3 |
| 75 | 0.4 |
Transport by Sea
| Live weight in kg | m2/animal |
| 20 - 30 | 0.24 - 0.265 |
| 30 - 40 | 0.265 - 0.290 |
| 40 - 50 | 0.290 - 0.315 |
| 50 - 60 | 0.315 - 0.34 |
| 60 - 70 | 0.34 - 0.39 |
E. Pigs
- (8)
- (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of subparagraph (1), during transport by sea, rail, road or in a road vehicle on board a vessel, the transporter or person in charge of an animal shall ensure that the pig is able to lie down and stand up in its natural position. In order to comply with these minimum requirements, the loading density for a pig of around 100 kg shall not exceed 235 kg/m .
- (b) Subject to the provisions of subparagraphs (9) and (10), the transporter or person in charge of an animal may vary the figures for the transport of a pig by road or rail or in a road vehicle by sea depending not only on the animals' breed, size and physical condition may mean that the minimum required surface area given in sub-subparagraph (a) of this subparagraph has to be increased; a maximum increase of twenty per cent may also be required depending on the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
- (c) The transporter or person in charge of a pig to be transported by air shall ensure that the loading density should be high for the pig to preclude injury on take-off or landing or in the event of turbulence and shall at least comply with the requirements of the relevant table and the animal shall still be able to lie down.
- (9) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the breed, weight and size of a pig in a means of transport, its physical condition, he or she may, in the case of transport by road, rail or sea determine the area to be provided for such animals as he or she sees fit.
- (10) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the climatic conditions, total journey time and hour of arrival, he or she may in the case of transport by air, determine the area to be provided for such animals as he or she sees fit.
Transport by Air
The loading density should be relatively high to preclude injury on takeoff or landing or in the event of turbulence although the animal must still be able to lie down. The climate, total journey time and hour of arrival should be taken into account in deciding on the loading density.
| Average weight | Surface area per pig |
| 15kg | 0.13 m2 |
| 25kg | 0.15 m2 |
| 50kg | 0.35 m2 |
| 100kg | 0.51 m2 |
Transport by Sea
| Live weight in kg | m2/animal |
| 10 or less | 0.20 |
| 20 | 0.28 |
| 45 | 0.37 |
| 70 | 0.60 |
| 100 | 0.85 |
| 140 | 0.95 |
| 180 | 1.10 |
| 270 | 1.50 |
F. Poultry
- (11) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (12) the transporter or person in charge of an animal may vary the figures for the transport of poultry in a container depending not only on the weight and size of the bird but also on its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
- (12) Where an authorised officer considers it necessary, having regard to the weight and size of the bird in a container in a means of transport, its physical condition, the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time, he or she may, determine the area to be provided for the animal, as he or she sees fit.
Densities applicable to the transport of poultry in a container
Minimum floor areas shall be provided as follows:
| Category | Area in cm2 |
| Day old chicks | 21 - 25 per chick |
| Poultry other than day old chicks: weight in kg | Area in cm2 per kg |
| < 1.6 | 180 - 200 |
| 1.6 to < 3 | 160 |
| 3 to < 5 | 115 |
| > 5 | 105 |
CHAPTER VII Watering and Feeding Intervals, Journey Times and Rest Periods
(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, journey times shall be deemed to commence from the time the animal is loaded into the means of transport. Journey times shall not exceed 8 hours, but this period may be extended as set down in subparagraphs (2) and (3) where the transporting vehicle meets the following additional requirements -
- (a) there is sufficient bedding on the floor of the vehicle,
- (b) the vehicle carries appropriate feed for the species of animal transported and for the journey time,
- (c) there is direct access to the animal,
- (d) there is adequate ventilation which can be adjusted depending on the temperature (inside and outside); in the case of pig transport, this ventilation must be mechanical ventilation,
- (e) there are movable panels for creating separate compartments,
- (f) the vehicle is equipped for connection to a water supply during stops,
- (g) in the case of a vehicle for transporting a pig, sufficient water is carried for watering during the journey.
- (2) Subject to the provisions of Regulation 10, the transporter or person in charge shall ensure that the transport of an animal by road in a road vehicle complies with the following requirements -
- (a) An unweaned calf, lamb, kid and foal which is still on a milk diet, as well as an unweaned piglet—
- (i) shall, after a maximum of 9 hours of transport, be given a rest period of at least 1 hour sufficient in particular for it to be given liquid and if necessary fed. After this rest period, transport may continue for a further 9 hours,
- (ii) at the end of the transport, shall be unloaded, given a feed adapted to its physiological needs, watered, and rested for at least 24 hours.
Transport may recommence 24 hours after unloading in accordance with the above requirements of this clause.
- (b) A domestic solidungulate (except registered equidae within the meaning of Council Directive 90/426/EEC) (O.J. No. L224 of 18.8.1990, p.42.)
- (i) may be transported for a maximum period of 24 hours,
- (ii) shall be watered and if necessary fed every 8 hours,
- (iii) at the end of the transport, shall be unloaded, fed and watered and rested for 24 hours.
Transport may recommence 24 hours after unloading in accordance with the above requirements of this clause.
- (c) A bovine animal, a sheep and a goat, other than those referred to in clause (a) of this subparagraph—
- (i) shall, after 14 hours of travel be given a rest period of at least 1 hour sufficient for them in particular to be given liquid and if necessary fed. After this rest period transport may continue for a further 14 hours,
- (ii) at the end of the transport, shall be unloaded, fed and watered and rested for 24 hours.
Transport may recommence 24 hours after unloading in accordance with the above requirements of this clause.
- (d) A pig, other than an unweaned piglet referred to in clause (a) of this subparagraph—
- (i) may be transported for a maximum period of 24 hours,
- (ii) shall have continuous access to water during the journey,
- (iii) shall, at the end of the transport, be unloaded, fed and watered and rested for 24 hours.
Transport may recommence 24 hours after unloading in accordance with the above requirements of this clause.
- (e) In the case of transport by sea in a road vehicle on a regular and direct link between two geographical points of the European Union, a rest period of 12 hours shall be provided after the animals are unloaded at the port of destination or in its immediate vicinity, unless the journey time at sea is such that the voyage may be included as part of the general scheme set out in this subparagraph. In any event, the animal shall be watered.
- (3) In the interest of the animal, the journey times provided in subparagraph (2) may be extended by 2 hours, taking account in particular of proximity to the place of destination.
SCHEDULE 2
| GIVEN under my Official Seal, 18 May 2006 | |
| [image omitted] Mary Coughlan Minister for Agriculture and Food |
EXPLANATORY NOTE.
(This note is not part of the instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation)
These Regulations lay down the standards to be applied in relation to the protection of animals during transport. The Regulations make general provisions for the welfare of animals, including rest periods and stipulations for feeding and watering, during transport by road, rail, sea or air and requires that a person who is entrusted to transport live animals possesses the necessary knowledge to care for the animals.
Footnotes
O.J. No. L340 of 11.12.1991, P.17.
O.J. No. L243 of 25.08.1992, P.27.
O.J. No. L50 of 22.02.1994, P.13.
O.J. No. L148 of 30.06.1996, P.52
O.J. No. L109 of 25.04.1997, P.1
O.J. No. L174 of 02.07.1997, P.1
O.J. No. L151 of 19.06.2003, P.21.
O.J. No. L162 of 01.07.2003, P.72.
O.J. No. P121 of 29.7.1964, p. 1977.
O.J. No. L224 of 18.8.1990, p. 42
O.J. No. L46 of 19.2.1991, p. 19
O.J. No. L268 of 14.9.1992, p. 54.
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