How to Safely Transport Livestock: A Step-by-Step Guide
Livestock keepers who have a variety of animals with them always have one concern in mind: keeping their livestock safe and secure. You must follow animal transport laws to prevent harm or suffering as a livestock keeper.
Farmers need to ensure their livestock is transported safely and humanely. Therefore, if you are transporting your animals from one place to another, you must ensure that proper policies are followed and that you choose a reliable and trusted provider of livestock transport services.
This is because the individual in charge of transporting livestock must drive carefully, avoiding sudden movements and unnecessary delays to prevent animal harm and suffering.
Thus, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being of the animals during the entire transportation process.
Why? Let's find out and examine the essential steps to take before transporting animals.
The Need and Care of Animals During Transport
Transporting livestock is an essential aspect of agriculture but can be problematic for animals. Therefore, it is important to understand the reasons behind their stress and offer appropriate care during transportation to prioritise their well-being.
Types of stress that animals face during livestock transport:
- Physical stress: It can result from extended trips, exhaustion, and bodily harm.
- Physiological stress: It can occur when an animal is deprived of essential resources such as food, water, or proper temperature control.
- Behavioural stress: It can occur when animals are in unfamiliar environments, are exposed to loud noises, and are near other animals.
All of these stressors can harm innocent animals.
So, following a step-by-step guide to keep your animals safe and secure during transport automatically becomes essential. Providing proper care and planning the journey to cause less discomfort and stress to the animals is also an appropriate way to prepare safe and secure livestock transport.
How do you Transport Animals Safely and Securely?
Ensuring animals' safe and comfortable transportation requires thorough planning and precise execution. To navigate the process smoothly, follow this step-by-step guide using Earle's Transport, a trusted provider.
Step 1: Choose a reputable transport company:
The first thing you must do is look for companies with a proven track record of transporting animals to their desired location. Check online reviews and ask about their expertise with your specific type of animal. Make sure the company is licensed and insured to operate in your area and has the proper equipment for the safe and comfortable transport of your animals.
Step 2: Prepare your animals:
Before transporting your animal, it is important to take it to the vet and discuss any health conditions. It will also be helpful to familiarise them with their travel crate or carrier and provide familiar items for comfort. Before travelling, it is recommended to withhold food for a few hours to prevent motion sickness, but always provide access to water.
Step 3: On the day of transport:
On the day of transport, ensure the crate is secure and suitable for your animal's size. Provide enough food and water for long journeys and inquire about feeding schedules during rest stops. Prepare all the required paperwork, such as health certificates, registration documents, and contact information for both the starting and ending points.
Step 4: During transport:
When transporting animals, it is important to select a company with experienced drivers who are skilled in the job. They must be trained to handle animals safely and know how to handle unexpected situations. The driver must monitor the animals' temperature and ensure enough ventilation in the vehicle, making them comfortable during the entire journey. Finally, for long journeys, regular breaks must be taken for unloading, watering, and checking on the well-being of the animals.
Step 5: Arrival at destination:
Once you reach the desired location, it is essential to unload the animals safely and provide them with food, water, and a comfortable resting area.
Key Takeaway
Moving your animals to their desired location depends on choosing a reliable transport company like Earles' Transport. We have professionals with enough expertise and experience to easily help you with this process.
So contact us now, and if you need to know more about our services, like general freight, we are happy to assist you with that too!