ABSTRACT All animals farmed for meat travel at least once in their lifetimes. The transportation of live animals of all types, especially meat species, has become a vast and essential industry. It is the most visible aspect to the public at large of any livestock farming operation. Various governments have introduced successive layers and detail of legislation to control the welfare of animals while they are in transit, with varying degrees of success. The issue is now global. Increasingly affluent consumers are becoming interested in how their meat was handled before slaughter, whether the source is their own home market or some distant country of origin. More legislation will undoubtedly develop separately within different countries. The European Union has tried to impose standardized legislation throughout their present 15 member states with varying degrees of success. The industry recognizes the need for legislation provided that it is practical, workable, and evenly policed. Success will depend on legislation based on good science. This paper urges that science precede the legislation, rather than the other way around.
Implications
As a summary, here are some reminders of what you must consider regarding international regulations: The Council of Europe, EU Directives, IATA, OIE, WTO, supermarkets and worldwide sourcing that is potentially more powerful than government, and The UK PETS travel scheme to reduce rabies quarantine periods.
Key Words: Animal Welfare, Legislation, Transport of Animals, Transporting Quality
© 2001, by the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.
J. Anim. Sci. 2001. 79:E73-E85
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