THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS
Sometimes farm animals have to be moved from one farm to another, or to a market or to the abattoir. They can travel in trucks (picture 1) or trains, in boats or even by aeroplane.
Sometimes an animal's journey can take many days, which can be tiring.
As animals are not used to being transported, they can sometimes become very stressed during journeys. Can you imagine what it must feel like to climb into a crowded, moving vehicle, not understanding what is happening and not knowing where you are going? It is important that the people in charge of transporting and handling them are properly trained, to avoid unnecessary stress and suffering for the animals.
A transport operation could be divided into 3 parts:
- Loading: When animals are transported they are likely to feel anxiety or fear. The people moving the animals into the trucks must have a lot of experience and be very patient. Often the animals have to walk on ramps and surfaces that they are not used to, and they can be injured or frightened when getting into the truck. The quality and safety of the ramp is therefore essential.
- Travelling: Animals are likely to experience crowding (picture 2 and 3), hot or cold temperatures and dehydration. Under EU rules, animals should have enough room, air and water when they are travelling. They should not be grouped with other animals that will cause them stress. Furthermore, animals can only travel for a certain amount of time before they have to be let off the truck, given food and water, and be allowed to rest. Any truck used to transport animals should be clean and disinfected, with a non-slip floor and proper bedding for long journeys. Sick animals, those that are pregnant, or the very young ones are not allowed to be transported.
- Unloading: Once the animals arrive at their destination, great care must be taken in getting them off the truck. Animals are likely to be very tired at this stage.
Now that you are familiar with the difficulties linked to transporting animals, and how to move them with care, you can correctly and easily play the game. Good luck!
