This guidance applies to anyone who transports vertebrate animals for commercial reasons (however, the first two principal requirements below apply to any journey whether commercial or not).

No person shall transport any animal:

• in a way which causes or is likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering (including amount of space available)
• unless it is fit for the intended journey and suitable provision has been made for its care during the journey and on its arrival at its destination. 'Unfit' includes ill, injured, infirm and fatigued, and in respect of mammals includes animals that are likely to give birth during transport, have given birth in the preceding 48 hours, or are new-born (indicated by an unhealed navel)
• unless, at an appropriate time before the journey begins, and as appropriate to the species, they have been offered liquid and food
• unless they are rested and offered liquid and food during the journey in accordance with any species requirement, and at the end of any journey are unloaded, fed, watered and rested for a minimum period of 24 hours. If not at the final destination any 24 hour rest period shall be taken at an approved staging post
• which falls ill or is injured during transport unless they ensure relevant treatment as soon as possible.