DEFRA issues advice to livestock transporters during hot weather

"Think twice before you transport animals during this very hot weather," said Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw today.

Transporting animals at this time carries a much higher risk of causing them harm and suffering.

Defra's advice on animal transportation during exceptionally hot weather is that:

* dogs and other pet animals must never be left in a car of other vehicle in hot sunshine - overheating takes place very quickly and can easily result in death. Pet owners should ensure they have sufficient quantities of water for their animals.

* farm livestock should not be transported if the temperature in

the vehicle is likely to exceed 35 degrees C.

Defra has:

* recently revised information for owners and carriers about transporting dogs and other pets by road, ferry or air. Information can be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/

transport/trav-dogcat.htm

* written to all transporters who transport animals over longer distances to remind them of the law in respect of transport in hot weather. The letter is available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed

/transport/hot-letter-2003.pdf

* reminded livestock market operators of their obligation to minimise the effect of hot weather on animals at the market and to remind farmers and other transporters attending the market of their responsibilities.