The new regulations are intended to improve the welfare of animals during transport and apply to anyone moving live vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity.

Journeys excluded from scope include those not in the course of business or trade or journeys undertaken under veterinary instruction.

The regulation requires those transporting animals in connection with an economic activity to be authorised. Two types of authorisation exist: one for short journeys (over 65km and up to eight hours) and one for long journeys (including eight hours and over). Those travelling over 8 hours may require their vehicles to be inspected and approved.

Full details on the regulation's requirements, including details of how to apply for transporter authorisations, can be found on the website below:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/eu-transportreg.htm

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