Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 is a European Union (EU) regulation concerning the protection of animals during transport. It establishes rules and procedures for the transport of live vertebrate animals within, to, and from the EU. The regulation aims to ensure that animals are transported in a way that avoids injury and unnecessary suffering, and that their welfare is safeguarded throughout the journey.
The regulation covers various aspects of animal transport, including:
- Requirements for transport operators: It sets out the responsibilities of transport operators, including the need for authorization, training of personnel, and contingency plans for emergencies.
- Vehicle and container standards: It specifies requirements for vehicles and containers used for animal transport, ensuring they are suitable for the species being transported and provide adequate space, ventilation, and protection from the elements.
- Journey planning: The regulation requires transport operators to plan journeys to minimize journey times and ensure that animals have access to rest, food, and water at appropriate intervals.
- Animal welfare standards: It sets out specific welfare standards for different species of animals, including requirements for space allowances, feeding and watering, and handling.
- Enforcement and controls: The regulation establishes a system of controls and inspections to ensure compliance with its provisions. Member States are responsible for enforcing the regulation and imposing penalties for infringements.
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 is a significant piece of EU legislation that plays a crucial role in protecting the welfare of animals during transport. It has been amended and updated several times since its initial adoption to reflect scientific and technical developments and to address specific concerns regarding animal welfare. The regulation is legally binding in all EU Member States and applies to all journeys for commercial purposes, with certain limited exceptions.