Part XII Transportation of Animals

Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations governs the manner in which animals are transported within, into or out of Canada.  It applies to all animal species and any mode of transportation.  Loading and unloading are part of the transportation process. There are currently no other regulations under the Act that address the care, handling and disposition of  animals other than during transportation.

CFIA enforces these regulations. Several new policies regarding non-ambulatory livestock have been put in place. See Animal Welfare/Transportation of Animals. 

The following summary of federal Health of Animals Regulations concerning the transportation of animals specifically by truck is an adaptation from the codes of practice.  For complete information, the regulations are accessible at Part XII Health of Animals Regulations - Tranportation of Animals.

YOU MUST 

• segregate animals of different species, of substantially different weights and ages, or if incompatible by nature. 
• allow animals to stand in a natural position. 
• provide for drainage and absorption of urine. 
• either spread sand or have the vehicle fitted with safe footholds in addition to adequate bedding. 
• ensure that animals unloaded for feed, water and rest remain at least 5 hours, and longer if necessary for all of the animals tom have access to feed and water.

YOU MUST NOT 

• transport a sick or injured animal where undue suffering will result, or when the animal is liable to give birth.
• continue to transport an animal that is injured, becomes ill, or is otherwise unfit to travel. 
• load or unload animals in a way that would cause injury or undue suffering. 
• crowd animals to such an extent as to cause injury or undue suffering. 
• transport animals if injury or suffering is likely to be caused by inadequate construction of the vehicle, insecure fittings, undue exposure to the weather or inadequate ventilation.
• use ramps, gangplanks or chutes that are inadequately constructed or maintained and would be likely to cause injury or undue suffering to the animals.
• confine monogastric animals, such as horses and pigs, in a motor vehicle for longer than 36 hours unless the animals are fed, watered and rested on a vehicle that is suitably equipped for the purpose. 
• confine ruminants, such as cattle, sheep and goats,  in a motor vehicle for longer than 48 hours unless they can reach their final destination in 52 hours or the animals are fed, watered and rested on a vehicle that is suitably equipped for the purpose. 
• load an animal for a trip of more than 24 hours without first providing food and water within 5 hours before loading.