Transport and care of livestock

This section has been developed to provide basic information about the transport and care of livestock and horses purchased from private and commercial sales.

This information is for anyone responsible for transporting and caring for livestock:

The guidelines discuss:

  • space allowances
  • shade/shelter requirements
  • feed and water requirements
  • as well as property and stock identification requirements

These fact sheets form part of a comprehensive package to improve the welfare of livestock and horses at saleyards and beyond.

Livestock welfare at saleyards

Responsibilities of farmers, agents, owners, saleyards staff and transporters are outlined in livestock welfare at saleyards.

Transportation and care of cattle

Responsibilities when transporting and caring for cattle purchased from private or commercial sale are outlined in transportation and care of cattle.

Transportation and care of sheep

Responsibilities when transporting and caring for sheep purchased from private or commercial sale are outlined in transportation and care of sheep.

Transportation and care of horses

Responsibilities when transporting and caring for horses purchased from private or commercial sale are outlined in transportation and care of horses.

Transportation and care of pigs

Responsibilities when transporting and caring for pigs purchased from private or commercial sale are outlined in transportation and care of pigs.

Transport of livestock across Bass Strait

In addition, the Animal Welfare Guidance Document for the Transport of Livestock across Bass Strait describes the requirements for transport of livestock across Bass Strait from Victoria to Tasmania.

This document is based on the guidelines developed in Tasmania by the Bass Strait Livestock Shipping Committee, comprising shipping, transport and livestock industry representatives from Tasmania and Victoria, and State and Commonwealth regulatory agencies.

More information

Transporting livestock responsibilities and recommendations gives information about your responsibilities when transporting livestock as well as recommendations and links to helpful resources.

Page last updated: 12 Oct 2020