The six month grace period for new livestock transport requirements introduced in January expired yesterday, July 31.

The new laws outline the basic principles that everyone transporting livestock must use to protect the welfare of the livestock being transported.

To achieve a nationally consistent approach to livestock transport, the laws now reflect the national standards and all states and territories.

The new laws commenced on January 31, 2014, however, to ensure stakeholders are familiar with the new laws, a six month grace period for enforcement was granted. The grace period expires at the close of business yesterday.

“The laws apply to the transport of both commercial and non-commercial livestock and start once livestock are assembled prior to loading and continue until the animals are unloaded at the final destination,” Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook explained.

“The laws provide standards that animals selected for transport must be fit for the intended journey. It is the responsibility of the people involved to ensure livestock are fit for transport.”

The land transport code applies to the following animals being transported by road, rail or by a road vehicle or container aboard a ship:

• Alpaca
• Buffalo
• Camel
• Cattle
• Sheep
• Goats
• Horses
• Pigs
• Poultry
• Ostriches
• Emus
• Deer

For information on the national livestock transport standards, visit www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au 

Source: Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry