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Transportation of animals should be planned to minimize transit time and the risk of zoonoses (bugs), protect against environmental extremes, avoid overcrowding, provide food and water when indicated, and protect against physical trauma.

Some transport-related stress is inevitable, but it can be minimized by attention to these factors.

In 2000, the UK imported 255,000t of pork and 94,000t of lamb, while exporting 195,000t of pork and 98,000t of lamb.

Visit the Soil Association and read their response - Policy Commission - at http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/848d689047
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While there has been legislation governing the welfare of animals during transport for a number of years, the current UK law (Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order came into force in 1997.

EU legislation dates from 1991 and is currently under review by the Commission. There is a forthcoming European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport.

In the UK, there is a new Guide on the Welfare of Livestock during Transport (pdf) which contains information on 'Guidance on the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997' ref PB3766. and 'Guidance for employers: assessment of practical experience in the handling, transport and care of animals ref PB3575'