Fitness for transport
Article 9
1. No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey. 2. Ill or injured animals shall not be considered fit for transport. However, this provision shall not apply to: (a) slightly injured or ill animals whose transport would not cause additional suffering; (b) animals transported for experimental or other scientific purposes approved by the relevant competent authority, if the illness or injury is part of the research programme; (c) the transport of animals under veterinary supervision for or following emergency treatment. 3. Special care shall be taken with the transport of animals in advanced stages of pregnancy, those having recently given birth and very young animals: — pregnant female mammals shall not be transported during a period at least equal to 10 % of the length of gestation before giving birth, nor during at least one week after giving birth, — very young mammals shall not be transported before the navel is completely healed. If all necessary precautions have been taken, under veterinary advice and on a case-by-case basis, exception can be made by the competent authority for registered mares with a foal at foot going to the stallion after foaling. 4. Sedatives shall not be used unless strictly necessary to ensure the welfare of the animals and shall only be used following veterinary advice, in accordance with national legislation.