Paragraph 8 Loading equipment
Animals shall be loaded and unloaded in accordance with this paragraph.
Save as provided in sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) below they shall be loaded and unloaded using suitable ramps, bridges, gangways or mechanical lifting gear, operated so as to prevent injury or unnecessary suffering to any animal.
The flooring of any loading equipment shall be constructed so as to prevent slipping.
Ramps, bridges, gangways and loading platforms shall be provided on each side with protection which is—
of sufficient strength, length and height to prevent any animal using the loading equipment from falling or escaping; and
positioned so that it will not result in injury or unnecessary suffering to any animal.
An animal may be loaded or unloaded by means of manual lifting or carrying if the animal is of a size that it can easily be lifted by not more than two persons and the operation is carried out without causing injury or unnecessary suffering to the animal.
An animal may be loaded or unloaded without equipment or by manual lifting or carrying provided that, having regard to the age, height and species of the animal, it is unlikely to be caused injury or unnecessary suffering by being loaded or unloaded in this manner.