Kevin Chesson - Section Leader – Animal Health & W

I write this article having seen the previous correspondence on the subject. I am a working Animal Health & Welfare (AH&W) Inspector employed by Surrey County Council, Trading Standards to head up the AH&W Section in Surrey. It is from this perspective that I write.

Your previous correspondent (Allen Brown) gives a very credible explanation of current legislative requirements with which I broadly agree. The main requirement that Mr Brown has omitted is Article 4 (1) of The Welfare Of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. This applies to the movement of all “animals” and states, “No person shall transport any animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering”.

My take on this is, if an animal is being transported in the back of a car or one of the land cruiser type vehicles then there is a risk of injury etc being caused. I base this judgement on the fact, that unless heavily modified, the vehicle would offer little protection to camelids in the event of an accident, or the driver having to take evasive action. The animals could be thrown through the windows or they could be thrown across seats, and these are but two examples. One also has to consider the welfare of the human occupants as well!!

There is an additional piece of legislation that Mr Brown has not considered and this is The Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) (No. 3) Order 2003. This requires that a means of transport is cleansed and disinfected between use. This is for disease prevention and control purposes. It defines when and how this must be done. It also requires the use of “approved” disinfectants. The transport of camelids is caught by this legislation.

I would ask the question how many people would be willing to soak their car or brand new Range Rover in disinfectant. If such vehicles were to be used to transport camelids then there is a question of how effectively cleansing and disinfection could be carried out.

In conclusion my suggestion to readers is that they only use vehicles or trailers that have been properly designed or adapted for animal transport use this will avoid possible prosecution and a criminal record. Owners can obtain free advice through their local Trading Standards Department.



This article was requested from Trading standards by the joint BAS/BCA Welfare committee, to assist in clarifying the regulations relating to transportation of camelids. This article is endorsed by the Joint BAS/BCA Welfare committee".
04/03/05