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Transporting unfit or compromised animals

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the humane treatment of all animals being transported into, within, and out of Canada by enforcing the Health of Animals Regulations (Part XII) Transport of Animals.

All persons involved in the transport of animals must ensure that every animal being transported is assessed as being fit for the intended trip and that all provisions of the regulations are met.

Unfit animals (as described in the Regulations) are not to be transported unless it is to receive care recommended by a veterinarian. If transported, they must be loaded, confined, transported and unloaded in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations (refer to section 139(2)) to prevent suffering, injury or death. Compromised animals (as described in the Regulations) are not to be transported to assembly centres, including auction markets. They may be transported if they are isolated from other animals, are loaded and unloaded individually without having to negotiate any ramps within the conveyance, and transported to the nearest suitable place where they can receive care or be humanely killed. They must also be provided with feed, water and rest at a maximum, every 12 hours (fewer if needed to meet required outcomes). They must be loaded, confined, transported and unloaded in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations (refer to section 140(1)) to prevent suffering, injury and death.

If an animal becomes unfit or compromised during transport, reasonable measures must be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering. The animal must be transported to the nearest suitable place where it can receive care, be humanely killed, or humanely kill in place

Signs of an unfit animal

Signs of a compromised animal

Note

  • Calves 8 days and under are prohibited from being transported to assembly centres, including auction markets.
  • Lactating animals that cannot be milked to prevent engorgement must reach a destination where they can be milked or slaughtered before becoming engorged.
  • Animals with mammary engorgement will be considered unfit.

All regulated parties are required to be aware of all applicable provisions in Part XII of the regulations.

Learn more about humane transport and animal welfare.

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