Assessing lameness for transport

Anyone transporting an animal in Canada must meet specific requirements to make sure the animal is fit for the intended journey.

Question 1: Is the animal ambulatory (able to stand and walk without assistance)?

• If no, the animal is unfit and must not be transported, unless to receive veterinary care as recommended by a veterinarian
• If yes, move on to question 2

Question 2: Does the animal have a fracture that impedes its mobility or that causes pain or suffering?

• If no, move on to question 3
• If yes, the animal is unfit and must not be transported, unless to receive veterinary care as recommended by a veterinarian

Question 3: Is the animal able to walk on all its legs?

• If no, the animal is unfit and must not be transported, unless to receive veterinary care as recommended by a veterinarian
• If yes, move on to question 4

Question 4: Does the animal walk with a smooth and steady motion, a straight back and normal head carriage while bearing its weight evenly on all limbs?

• If no, move on to question 5
• If yes, the animal isn't lame and may be transported

Question 5: Is the animal reluctant to walk or walks with halted movements due to pain or suffering (shown by an arched back, head bobs, reluctance to bear weight on a limb, etc.)?

• If no, the animal is compromised and must be transported as such
• If yes, the animal is unfit and must not be transported, unless to receive veterinary care as recommended by a veterinarian

Definitions

An unfit animal can only be transported (with special provisions) directly to a place to receive veterinary care and under the recommendation of a veterinarian.

A compromised animal can only be transported (with special provisions) directly for slaughter or to a place to receive care for its condition. It can't  be transported to an assembly centre or auction market.

Requirements

Special provisions if transporting an unfit or compromised animal:

• Isolate the animal
• Load or unload the animal alone without using interior ramps
• Take special measures to prevent unnecessary suffering
• Transport directly to the nearest suitable place to provide care or to humanely kill the animal