NPA will be seeking clarification of ‘sexually mature’. Does it mean animals of breeding age, or finished pigs displaying some early maturing signs?

The rules governing separation are as follows:

• Animals of significantly different sizes or ages.
  
  
• Sexually mature males and females.
  
  
• Adult breeding boars.
  
  
• Animals of different species.
  
  
• Animals hostile with each other.
  
  
• Tied animals from untied animals.

From January next year, the driver (or the attendant, if there is one) accompanying animals that are travelling will need to hold a certificate of competence to transport pigs on short journeys. The driver or attendant is responsible for animal welfare during transport.

As is the case now, an Animal Transport Certificate must be completed for every journey, except for export journeys over eight hours which require a Journey Log instead.

The Animal Transport Certificate must detail:

• Details of animal ownership and transporter.
  
  
• Date and time first animal loaded and last animal unloaded.
  
  
• Date and time of departure.
  
  
• Estimated duration of journey.
  
  
• Health status of animals.

There is no prescribed format for the information to be presented. Any other document containing the required information – such as an Animal Movement Licence – may be used if required.