Four-month amnesty declared on Transport Competence Certificates

 

Defra has declared a four-month amnesty for people transporting horses or livestock who miss the 5 January 2008 deadline for gaining a certificate of competence.

 

The Government department has agreed with the UK enforcement authorities that no action will be taken before the end of April 2008 against transporters who do not have competence certificates.

 

The British Horse Society urges people who require certification to get it as soon as they can.

 

The certificate of competence is needed for those transporting horses by road on journeys of more than 65km in connection with an economic activity. The amnesty applies only to journeys within the UK.

 

Under the EU Welfare in Transport Regulation, those transporting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry by road, on journeys of more than 65km in connection with an economic activity must be assessed in their competence. The training depends on the the role of the transporter or attendant and the length of journeys undertaken.  

 

For those transporting horses on journeys of more than 65km and up to eight hours this may be done as a theory test.  For those involved in journeys of more than eight hours, practical assessment of their competence may also be required.

 

A list of independent bodies designated to undertake assessment and training can be found on the Defra website as well as full details of the regulations www.defra.gov.uk.

This Press Release was issued by the British Horse Society, Stoneleigh