Hauliers may be limited in their movements by road of livestock, following controversial plans by the European Commission to ensure animals are unloaded and rested every eight hours.
The Commission says it has launched a consultation for the public, stakeholders and national authorities to participate in the review of the Welfare of Animals During Transport regulations.
A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
confirms that one of the proposals is to force hauliers to unload their livestock if they travel for eight hours or more.
The spokesman adds: "The Commission is proposing a review of Regulation 1/2005's sections relating to journey times, resting periods and stocking densities. Like other member states, we are submitting an impact assessment that will help the Commission draw up its proposals. We don't yet know what the full proposals are, so I can't get into specifics at this stage."
Hauliers transporting cattle, sheep, pigs or goats by road on journeys over eight hours can do so at the moment as long as they hold valid vehicle approval certificates.
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