Fitness for transport compliance
In two recent instances, lame and arthritic cows have been transported long distances, bypassing closer slaughter premises and despite written instruction to the contrary. A veterinary declaration confirming fitness for transport had been issued. The guidelines state that that the duration of the journey should be the shortest possible.
Firstly, some certificates do not stipulate how far an animal should be transported. That stipulation should be written on the certificate. "The nearest works" may be open to interpretation, whereas "transport to XYZ premise" or "transport 50km maximum distance' is more specific.
Secondly, stipulations written on the certificate are being disregarded. While the vet cannot be responsible for the subsequent actions of the client or agent, they do need to clearly convey to the client that there are conditions associated with the certificate that need to be complied with. The conditions are to safeguard the welfare of the animal. Farmers and transporters not complying would be liable if the animal suffers unnecessarily because of the transport.
