Explanatory note

This Order, taken with other welfare legislation, implements Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport (OJ No. L340, 11.12.91, p. 17). The other legislation referred to is as follows—The Transit of Animals Order 1927

• The Animals (Sea Transport) Order 1930

• The Horses (Sea Transport) Order 1952

• The Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973

• The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order 1975

• The Importation of Animals Order 1977

• The Welfare of Poultry (Transport) Order 1988.

The Order makes general provision for the welfare of animals in transport (article 3). It sets out feeding and watering intervals for animals in transport (article 4) and requires persons who transport animals in the course of business to ensure that animals are entrusted to people possessing the appropriate knowledge, to draw up journey plans and to keep records (article 5).

There are exceptions in relation to pets, farm animals and animals kept for sporting purposes (articles 2 and 6). There are special provisions in relation to deer in velvet (article 3(4)).

The Order refers to the guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association (“IATA”) and under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (“CITES”) (article 7). Copies of the relevant documents can be obtained from—

It prohibits importation of animals from third countries except under the conditions required by Directive 91/628/EEC (article 9).

The Order is enforced by the local authorities (article 10).

Inspectors are given power to stop a journey where the animals' welfare requires it (articles 11 and 12).

Contravention of the provisions of the Order constitutes an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and may be punished under section 75 of the Act.