European Convention for the Protection of Animals During International Transport

 

Article 12

Animals which become ill or injured during transport
shall receive veterinary attention as soon as possible,
and if necessary be slaughtered in a way which avoids
unnecessary suffering.
Article 13

Animals shall only be loaded into trucks, vehicles,
vessels, aircraft, or containers which have been
thoroughly cleaned. Dead animals, litter and excrements
shall be removed as soon as possible.
Article 14

Animals shall be transported to their destination as
soon as possible, and delays, particularly in
transhipment and marshalling yards, shall be reduced to
a minimum.
Article 15

In order that importation and transit formalities may
be completed as quickly as possible, consignments of
animals shall be notified as early as possible to
control posts. In such formalities priority should be
given to consignments of animals.
Article 16

At posts where sanitary control is exercised and
animals in significant numbers are regularly
transported, facilities shall be provided for resting,
feeding and watering.

 

B. Special Provisions for Transport By Railway
Article 17

Any railway truck in which animals are transported
shall be marked with a symbol for the living animals.
If no trucks particularly adapted for transport of
animals are obtainable, animals shall be carried in
covered trucks which are capable of travelling at high
speed and are provided with sufficiently large air
vents. They shall be constructed so as to prevent
animals from escaping and ensure their safety. The
interior sides of the trucks shall be of wood or other
suitable material completely smooth and fitted with
rings or bars at suitable height to which the animals
may be attached.
Article 18

Solipeds shall be tied in such a way that they are all
facing the same side of the vehicle or tied facing each
other. However, young unbroken animals shall not be
tied.
Article 19

Large animals shall be loaded in such a way as to
allow an attendant to move between them.
Article 20

When, in accordance with the provisions of Article 7,
the seperation of animals is required, this may be
effected either by tying them in separate parts of the
truck, if its space permits, or by means of suitable
partitions.
Article 21

When assembling trains and during all other movements
of trucks all precautions shall be taken to avoid
violent jolting of trucks containing animals.

 

C. Special Provisions for Transport By Road
Article 22

Vehicles shall be escape-proof and so constructed as
to ensure the safety of the animals and shall also be
equipped with a roof which ensures effective protection
against the weather.
Article 23

Tying facilities shall be provided in vehicles
carrying large animals which normally require to be
tied. When vehicles are required to be subdivided, the
partitions shall be of rigid construction .
Article 24

Vehicles shall carry a ramp complying with the
requirements of Article 8.

 

D. Special Provisions for Transport By Water
Article 25

The fittings of vessels shall be such that animals can
be transported without injury and unnecessary
suffering.
Article 26

Animals shall not be transported on open decks unless
in adequately secured containers or substantial
structures, approved by the competent authority and
giving adequate protection against sea and weather.
Article 27

Animals shall be tied or properly accommodated in pens
or containers.
Article 28

There shall be adequate passageways having access to
all pens and containers accommodating animals. Lighting
facilities shall be available.
Article 29

A sufficient number of attendants shall be provided
taking into account the number of animals transported
and the duration of the voyage.
Article 30

All parts of the vessel where animals are accommodated
shall be provided with drainage and shall be kept in a
sanitary condition.
Article 31

A type of instrument approved by the competent
authority shall be carried for killing animals if
necessary.
Article 32

Vessels used for the transport of animals shall,
before sailing, be provisioned with such supplies of
drinking water and appropriate foodstuffs as shall be
considered sufficient by the competent authority of the
sending country , having regard to species and number of
animals being transported as well as to the duration of
the voyage.
Article 33

Provisions shall be made for isolating ill or injured
animals during the voyage and first-aid treatment
rendered when necessary.
Article 34

The provisions of Article 2S to 33 shall not apply to
the transport of animals loaded in railway trucks or
road vehicles on board ferry boats or similiar vessels.

 

E.Special Provisions for Transport By Air
Article 35

Animals shall be transported in containers or stalls
appropriate for the species. Some modifications of
these requirements may be permitted if appropriate
arrangements are made for restraining the animals.
Article 36

Precautions shall be taken to avoid extremely high or
low temperature on board, having regard to the species
of animals. In addition, severe fluctuations of air
pressure shall be avoided.
Article 37

In freight aircraft a type of instrument approved by
the competent authority shall be carried for killing
animals if necessary.

 

Chapter III

Domestic Birds and Domestic Rabbits
Article 38

The following provisions of Chapter II shall apply
mutatis mutandis to the transport of domestic birds and
domestic rabbits: Article 6, paragraphs 1 to 3,
Articles 7, 13 to 17 inclusive, 21, 22, 25 to 30
inclusive, 32, 34 to 36 inclusive.
Article 39

1. Animals that are ill or injured shall not be
considered fit for transport. Any that become ill or
injured shall receive first-aid treatment as soon as
possible and if necessary be submitted to veterinary
examination.

2. When animals are loaded in containers one placed on
top of another or in a truck or vehicle with more than
one floor the necessary precautions shall be taken to
avoid droppings falling on the animals placed
underneath.

3 Suitable food and, if necessary, water shall be
available in adequate quantities, save in the case of:

a) a journey lasting less than 12 hours;

b) a journey lasting less than 24 hours for chicks of
all species, provided that it is completed within 72
hours after hatching.

 

Chapter IV

Domestic Dogs And Domestic Cats
Article 40

1. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the
transport of domestic dogs and domestic cats except
those that are accompanied by the owner or his
representative.

2. The following provisions of Chapter II shall apply
mutatis mutandis to the transport of domestic dogs and
domestic cats: Article 4, Article 6, paragraphs 1 to 3
inclusive, Articles 7, 9, 10, Article 11, paragraphs 1
and 3, Articles 12 to l7 inclusive, 20 to 23 inclusive,
25 to 29 inclusive and 31 to 37 inclusive.
Article 41

Animals in transport shall be fed at intervals of not
more than 24 hours and given water at intervals of not
more than 12 hours. There shall be clear written
instructions about feeding and watering. Bitches in
oestrus shall be separated from male dogs.

 

 

Author: international

Mentioned in these Entries

European Convention for the Protection of Animals During International Transport, country.