Failure to adhere to regulations could see everyone involved in the transportation of an unfit animal hit with a $495 fine and prosecuted — this includes the farmer, farm worker, livestock agent and transporter.
Agriculture Victoria livestock welfare compliance program manager Rachael Holmes said any animal not fit for the journey must not be loaded and transported by road or rail to any destination.
“Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport,” Dr Holmes said.
“It is the responsibility of each person in charge of the animal at each step of the supply chain, to make that assessment, and to make appropriate arrangements.”
Consider these questions when loading livestock, and if the answer is yes to any the animal is not fit to load:
● Is it lame? This is, the animal cannot bear weight on all legs and walk on its own.
● Is it too weak to undertake the journey, emaciated or visibly dehydrated?
● Is it suffering from severe visible distress, injury or disease?
● Is it suffering from any condition that could cause it increased pain during transport?
● Is it blind in both eyes? and
● Is it late in pregnancy?
For more information the MLA `fit to load’ guide can be found at www.mla.com.au/fittoload
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