APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency) has re-issued its legal position on transport of cows using shackles. The letter states that the practice is not permitted under the terms of UK and assimilated EU regulations for transport, which state animals must move independently and without bodily weakness, and be protected from conditions that could cause them unnecessary suffering or injury.
The APHA has instructed the FSA (Food Standards Agency) to refer any incidents of cows arriving in shackles at slaughterhouses to the Local Authority.
Other destinations of transport such as markets and collection centres will be subject to the usual frequency of checks.
NFU position
Members should exercise caution if considering removing shackles before transport, to ensure that animals are genuinely fit for transport without the aid. For further detailed guidance, visit:
The NFU has challenged this legal position directly with APHA welfare in transport leads, citing that removing transport to slaughter as an option for bovines at the end of their productive life could further compromise welfare.
The letter erroneously suggests that these animals would be eligible for emergency slaughter on the day of injury, but FSA rules exclude such events.
APHA is standing firm on their position, but has indicated it is keen to seek solutions with Defra to widen the definitions of on-farm emergency killing, to include chronically lame animals.
A copy of the letter can be read at: Sheep Veterinary Society | APHA: Legal position on transport of cows using shackles
