EU
Transport Regulation
Summary Description
Regulates the transport duration of live animals (by sea, by air, and road) by imposing minimum animal welfare standards during transport.
Topics
Species
All animals
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
2005
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council Regulation 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the Protection of Animals During Transport and Related Operations, 2005 O.J. (L 3) 1 - 44 (E.U.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Establishes limit on the duration of transport duration per animal species and age.
- Establishes minimum space allowance per species and age.
- Establishes minimum interval and length of resting, watering, and feeding periods.
- Requires training of transporters.
- Establishes specifications of vessels.
- Imposes planning requirements (journey logs).
Weaknesses
- Covers the transport of live vertebrate, but not invertebrate animals, and aquatic animals are virtually excluded from all provisions.
- Does not provide proper enforcement mechanisms (no GPS tracking, no certification system for trucks and ships).
- Contains unenforceable provisions (e.g.: obligation to feed unweaned animals on board).
- Contains vague and broad regulatory definitions (e.g.: "animals unfit for transport").
- Allows the use of electric prods.
Related Laws/Policies
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