The National Farmers’ Union has launched new livestock and poultry welfare in transport guidance as part of its ongoing commitment to improve animal welfare during travel.

This cross-sector guidance covering beef, lamb, dairy and poultry will be available to everyone within the industry and aims to support continued animal welfare post-farmgate with guidance for farmers and hauliers on effective animal transport.

It also includes downloadable posters to raise awareness of best practice and provides a one-stop-shop for everything associated with animal transport.

NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay said: “Maintaining high animal welfare in transport is a priority for all livestock farmers and we are always receptive to new and improved guidance on this issue.

“This new guidance demonstrates our commitment to prioritising welfare and further improving our already high standards of animal welfare. We will continue to work with Defra to find evidence-based solutions that deliver practical and meaningful welfare improvements.”

NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “I am always extremely proud of our industry’s proactive approach in ensuring we remain at the forefront of animal welfare standards.

“This straightforward guidance, in particular the new sector-specific posters, offer real clarity in outlining the expectations of best practice, for all involved in transporting livestock. This can only serve to further safeguard our high standards and exemplify the careful and thoughtful approach to ensuring individual animal and species needs are fully considered.”