Unfit animals: transporting or offering for sale

Agriculture

This business guide concentrates on allegations that the farmer has either:

  • transported an unfit animal; or
  • exposed an unfit animal for sale at market.

This document aims to provide a general overview of the law in this area, but is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional advice. Anyone faced with a threat of prosecution should consider taking independent legal advice as soon as possible.

Keepers of animals to be transported should always ensure that individuals involved in the transport of their animals, whether their own staff or contractors, are suitably trained and competent for the task concerned. For example, keepers should ensure that any individuals transporting their animals hold any required certificates of competence, and that any such certificates are valid at the time the transport is to take place.