Transport
Transport Regulations for Compromised or Unfit Animals
A Comprehensive Guide for Equine Owners and Transporters
This document clarifies the legal requirements that apply to all individuals engaged in the decision-making and transport process for transporting injured, ill, or compromised equines. This includes owners, caregivers, enforcement personnel, veterinarians, hired transporters, and others involved in equine transport.
The information provided also extends to disaster or emergency preparedness and response. Injured, ill, or otherwise impaired animals are classified as compromised or unfit under federal transport regulations.
Contingency plan
A contingency plan is a procedure to be used in the event of unforeseen transport (for example, an accident, inclement weather or traffic delays). The plan will also include instructions about what to do if the animal becomes compromised.
Contingency plans should be realistic, practical and prevent the suffering of animals.
Persons who transport animals for financial gain must share contingency plans with their employees, mandataries and agents (s. 138.2). (Plans d’intervention)
Resources and links
- CFIA – Example contingency plan template
- Record of Livestock Movement – Equine
- Roadside Emergency Kit – extra halter, lead shank, a blanket, an old bath towel, a fire extinguisher kept in the cab of the truck, bucket flares, a flashlight, zip ties, a shovel and a twitch.
- Horse First Aid Kit for Your Trailer
Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII Transport of Animals
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII Transport of Animals
- Regulatory Amendment Interpretive Guidance for Regulated Parties
- Livestock and poultry transport in Canada: Make sure animals are fit for the journey
- Hot weather, safe travel: Preventing Heat Stress in Animals
Articles and information
- Minimizing Stress During Horse Transportation
- Transport is an Equine Welfare Issue
- Minimizing Stress During Horse Transportation
- Equine Import / Export Requirements for Canada
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Humane Transport of Equines Policy
- Physiology, Balance, and Management of Horses During Transportation, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
- Trailering & Equine Travel Safety, USRider