6.1 | RSPCA Australia is opposed to any method of transportation for horses which cause injury, suffering or distress. |
6.2 | RSPCA Australia only accepts the transport of horses in single deck vehicles specifically designed for the needs of horses. The RSPCA opposes the use of double-decker vehicles for horse transport as it is not possible to provide sufficient height on both decks due to vehicle safety restrictions. |
6.3 | All horses must be transported, at the very minimum, in accordance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines - Land Transport of Livestock as incorporated into relevant state or territory law, and any other applicable state or territory code. |
6.4 | Feral horses |
6.4.1 | Feral horses should only be transported for the purposes of relocation or rehoming and as part of a government supervised management program. |
6.4.2 | Special consideration must be given to the welfare of feral horses during muster, assembly, loading and transport as these are wild animals unused to human contact or confinement. |
6.4.3 | Mustering or trapping of feral horses for transport should be carried out in accordance with current best practice. |
6.4.4 | RSPCA Australia supports the development of a national standard for the transportation of feral horses. |
(reviewed 24/12/12)