Regulations governing the transport of animals for commercial purposes are being introduced in January, but hauliers can apply for transport authorisation now.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says the European regulation, which comes into effect on 5 January 2007, applies to journeys under eight hours, compared with existing rules that only apply to longer journeys.
The regulation is intended to improve the welfare of animals during transport it will affect anyone moving live vertebrate animals as part of their business.
Farmers moving their own animals in their own vehicles less than 50km from their holdings will be exempt, as will anyone who is transporting animals to or from veterinary treatment.
The new transport authorisations, which will be issued by the State Veterinary Service, are free for the moment and last five years. A Defra spokesman says the change will not make extra work for hauliers, but people who undertake shorter journeys with animals will be affected.
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