TRANSPORT REGULATIONS - A BRIEF GUIDE FROM DEFRA

The Regulation does not define what constitutes an "economic activity". However, the preamble to the Regulation gives an indication of what this may include. Paragraph (12) states: "Transport for commercial purposes is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services takes place. Transport for commercial purposes includes, in particular, transport which directly or indirectly involves or aims at a financial gain".

As a rough rule of thumb we would expect an owner or transporter carrying his or another person's animals for profit, or as part of a business, to be covered by the Regulation. We would not expect the transport of pet animals by their owners to and from events such as shows, even when they win minor cash prizes, to be covered. The presence of gambling at an event would not in itself make the transport of animals to it an economic activity.

Should you feel that the transport regulations DO apply to you, please read about the training and competence certification required here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/training.htm.