Animal Health & Husbandry
31 January, 2025
Are your stock fit to load?
WHEN it comes to loading livestock for transport, farmers are urged to ensure their stock is ‘fit for travel.’
Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport.
Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Dr Jeff Cave said if farmers are in doubt about any animal’s suitability for transport, they should always ask their private veterinarian or any Agriculture Victoria animal health officer or veterinary officer for advice.
A guideline titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ has been produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and can viewed on MLA’s website.
An animal is not fit to load if it is not able to walk normally or bear weight on all its legs (this may be due to a recent or old fracture, an injury, a deformity or an infection) and if it’s not strong enough to make the journey.
It is also not fit to load if it’s not strong enough to make the journey, is suffering from severe distress or injury, is blind in both eyes or is in late pregnancy.
If it has a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport, an animal should also not be loaded.
According to Dr Cave, there are a few options available when an animal is considered not fit to load.
“You could treat the animal and transport it when it has recovered and is fit to load – naturally this is not an option in cases that aren’t readily treatable,” Dr Cave said.
“Alternatively, you could humanely destroy the animal. A knackery service is available in many areas to help with this option.
“Or you could consult a veterinarian and only transport the animal under veterinary advice.”
Dr Cave also sent a reminder that it was the person in charge of the animal who was also responsible for its welfare.
“Community values and expectations will not accept anything less. If it is unfit to load it is unfit to be presented at a saleyard,” Dr Cave said.
For further information on animal welfare contact your local animal health staff at Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.