Explanatory note

These Regulations, revoke the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, which implemented Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport (O.J. No L340, 11.12.91, p 17).

These Regulations makes for the administration and enforcement of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 (on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97) (“Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005”).

It also makes provision for the administration and enforcement of Council Regulation 1255/97 (concerning Community criteria for staging points and amending the route plan referred to in the Annex to Directive 91/628/EEC) (O.J. L 174, 2.7.97 p.1).

Part 2 of the Regulations enforces the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 in relation to transport (regulation 5), transporters (regulation 6), roll-on-roll-off vessels (regulation 7) organisers (regulation 8), keepers (regulation 9) and assembly centres (regulation 10). It also enforces the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1255/97 in relation to control posts (regulation 11). Regulation 11(1) makes it an offence to operate a control post without prior approval.

Part 3 provides derogations relating to means of transport by road used in respect of journeys not exceeding 12 hours in order to reach the final destination (regulations 12 to 19).

Part 4 provides for the amendment, suspension or revocation of approvals, authorisations or certificates and for representations against a notice to amend, suspend or revoke them (regulations 20 to 23).

Inspectors are given powers to require compliance with the Regulations, including the power to stop a journey (regulation 24).

Owners or charterers of vessels used to transport animals are required to produce information on demand to an inspector, which may include a plan of the vessel (regulation 27).