July 4th, 2023Fit to load?

Words: Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer Agriculture Victoria

It always pleases me when someone reaches out to me and asks, ‘is this animal fit to load?

If you are in doubt about an animal’s suitability for transport, you can always ask your private veterinarian or any Agriculture Victoria animal health officer or veterinary officer the same question.

Furthermore, a guideline titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ has been produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).This guideline can be viewed electronically on MLA’s website or ordered from MLA at MLA publications.

In summary, 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 is not strong enough to make the journey is suffering from severe distress or injury is in a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport is blind in both eyes is in late pregnancy.

If you identify an animal that is unfit to load you have a few options. 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 are not readily treatable. Alternatively, you could humanely destroy the animal. A knackery service is available in many areas to help with this option.

,Finally, you could consult a veterinarian and only transport the animal under veterinary advice.In line with community values and expectations for sound animal welfare, good practices are also a regulatory requirement. Remember, it is a regulatory requirement that the person in charge of the animal is responsible for its welfare.